Amanda Knapp
Traveling, or taking a walk, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player with possession of the ball moves one or both feet illegally. This can happen in several ways, including taking more than two steps without dribbling or moving the pivot foot. The traveling rule is important for maintaining fairness and encouraging skillful play, but it can be complex and is interpreted differently by various leagues. For example, the NBA and FIBA consider taking more than two steps without dribbling a traveling violation, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting even the two-step motion without a dribble.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of steps allowed | 2 steps |
| Pivot foot | Once a pivot foot is established, it cannot be lifted before the ball is released to dribble |
| Dribbling | The ball must touch the floor before the pivot foot returns to the floor |
| Ball possession | A player must have control of the ball to travel |
| Ball on the floor | If a player is in possession of the basketball on the floor and they roll over with it, it will be deemed a traveling violation |
| Jumping | If a player leaves their feet with the basketball (jumps in the air), they must pass or shoot it before either foot touches the ground again |
| Passing | If a player has possession and makes a pass to themselves without any other player touching the ball, this is deemed a traveling violation |
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What You'll Learn
Taking more than two steps without dribbling
In basketball, taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball is considered travelling, which is a violation of the rules. This rule is in place to maintain fairness and encourage skilful play. Travelling occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both feet illegally—that is, beyond a set limit without dribbling. This limit varies depending on the league and its rules.
The NBA, WNBA, NCAA, G-League, EuroLeague, and FIBA all have slightly different interpretations of the travelling rule. The NBA, WNBA, and FIBA define travelling as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. FIBA incorporated the "`gather step" into its travelling rules in 2018, bringing it more in line with the NBA's interpretation.
When a player has established a pivot foot, they are allowed to lift it from the ground as long as they release the ball. However, if the pivot foot is lifted, it must not return to the floor before the ball is released from the hands. A pivot is the legal movement in which a player holding the ball steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor.
It is important to note that a player must have control of the ball for travelling to be called. For example, a player who bobbles a pass may take several steps legally, as the travelling rule is not in effect until they have secured control of the ball. Similarly, a player who dives and catches a loose ball on the floor may legally slide as far as their momentum carries them. However, once they stop, they may not roll over or attempt to stand.
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Incorrect use of the pivot foot
The pivot foot is an important concept in basketball, and its correct use is essential to avoid violations such as travelling. Incorrect use of the pivot foot can result in penalties and give the opposing team an advantage. Here are some scenarios that constitute an incorrect use of the pivot foot:
Changing the Pivot Foot: Once a player has established their pivot foot, they cannot change it. If a player lifts their pivot foot and lands on a new foot, it is considered an illegal establishment of a new pivot foot. This action is commonly referred to as a "travel" and results in a turnover, giving possession of the ball to the other team.
Jumping with Both Feet: If a player jumps with both feet off the ground, they must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again. Failing to do so is considered a violation. This rule applies to both pivot and non-pivot feet.
Lifting the Pivot Foot: While a player is allowed to lift their pivot foot, they must pass, shoot, or request a timeout before their pivot foot returns to the floor. If the player fails to do so and the pivot foot touches the floor again, it is considered a travel.
Jumping Off the Pivot Foot: Jumping off the established pivot foot and landing on the non-pivot foot is not allowed. This action is considered a travel and a violation of the rules. Once a pivot foot is established, players must adhere to the restrictions associated with it.
Consecutive Pivot Foot Use: In some leagues, if a player lands with both feet simultaneously, they cannot pivot with either foot. They must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again. This rule prevents players from consecutively using both feet as pivot feet and gaining an unfair advantage.
It is important to note that the interpretation and enforcement of these rules may vary between different leagues and organizations. The NBA, FIBA, NCAA, and NFHS may have specific interpretations and variations of these rules, so it is essential to refer to the official rules and guidelines of the relevant organization.
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Lifting the pivot foot
When a player establishes a pivot foot, they can move their other foot as many times as they want, but they must release the ball to start dribbling before lifting the pivot foot. In other words, the pivot foot cannot be lifted before the ball is released to dribble. If the pivot foot is lifted, it must not touch the floor again before the ball is released from the hands.
However, lifting the pivot foot alone does not constitute travelling. A player may pass, shoot, or request a timeout in that position. It is only considered travelling once the pivot foot is returned to the floor or if a dribble is started. For instance, a player who catches the ball with both feet on the floor may pivot using either foot. They can then jump off the pivot foot to shoot or pass but must release the ball before either foot touches the floor again.
The interpretation and enforcement of travelling rules have evolved over the years, with different leagues having slightly different interpretations. For example, the NBA and FIBA define travelling as taking more than two steps without dribbling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting any steps without a dribble.
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Rolling over with the basketball
In basketball, a walk, also known as travelling, refers to the violation of rules regarding the movement of players with the basketball. This occurs when a player holding the basketball moves their feet beyond a set limit without dribbling.
The act of rolling over with the basketball is not explicitly mentioned in the sources. However, based on the rules of travelling, we can infer that rolling over with the basketball could be considered a form of travelling and thus, a violation.
To avoid a travelling violation, players must understand the importance of dribbling and the proper use of their pivot foot. The pivot foot is established when a player catches the ball and can be used to pivot, allowing the player to turn and face different directions. However, once the pivot foot is lifted, it must not touch the floor again until the ball is released from the hands. This rule prevents players from taking extra steps or rolling over and gaining an unfair advantage.
In conclusion, rolling over with the basketball could be considered a violation of the travelling rules, as it may provide the player with additional, illegal movement. To stay within the rules, players must be mindful of their footwork and dribbling techniques, ensuring they do not exceed the allowed number of steps or make illegal movements, such as rolling, after catching the ball.
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Passing to yourself
Passing to oneself in basketball is a legal move, but it must be done correctly to avoid a violation. The NBA rulebook states that a player may not be the first to touch their own pass unless the ball touches the backboard, basket ring, or another player. This rule was added to the NBA rulebook after 2001.
To pass to oneself, a player can bounce the ball off the backboard and catch it without it touching the ground. This is allowed because it is considered a legal play, similar to beginning a dribble. However, if the pass touches the ground before the player regains possession, it is a violation.
The player can also pass the ball off the backboard and be the first to touch it, as long as the pass touches the backboard or basket ring first. This is because the rule states that a player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring, or another player.
It is important to note that the interpretation and enforcement of the traveling rule have seen changes over the years, and different leagues may have slightly different interpretations. For example, the NCAA does not allow a two-step motion without a dribble.
In addition, the traveling rule itself is important to understand in the context of passing to oneself. Traveling occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both feet illegally, taking more than two steps without dribbling. This rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by covering distance without dribbling and to encourage the development of dribbling skills.
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Frequently asked questions
A walk, or traveling, is a violation of the rules in basketball. It occurs when a player takes more than the allowed number of steps without dribbling the ball. The number of allowed steps varies across different leagues. For example, the NBA and FIBA consider taking more than two steps without dribbling to be traveling, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting even the two-step motion without a dribble.
In the NBA, a walk is called when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the ball. Additionally, a player must dribble the ball before lifting their pivot foot, otherwise, it is considered a walk.
Some common walking violations in basketball include:
- Taking more than two steps without dribbling the ball
- Incorrect use of the pivot foot, such as lifting it before dribbling or returning it to the floor before releasing the ball
- Rolling over with the ball while in possession
- Leaving the feet without passing or shooting before either foot touches the ground again
- Passing the ball to oneself without another player touching it
