Andrew Pace
The rules around steps in basketball can be tricky. In the NBA and FIBA, a player can take two steps without dribbling before it is considered travelling. The NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. The step count begins after the player has picked up or gathered the basketball. The pivot foot is the foot that becomes the anchor when a player has the ball. The pivot foot can be moved in any direction, and the other foot can be moved however the player wants as long as the pivot foot stays in the same spot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to start counting steps | As soon as the last dribble is complete and the ball has been gathered |
| Number of steps allowed | Two steps are allowed in the NBA and FIBA; only one step is allowed in HS/College |
| Pivot foot | The pivot foot is the foot that becomes your "anchor" when you have the ball. You choose which foot it will be by keeping that foot still when you catch the ball. |
| Pivot foot rules | If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it's deemed a traveling violation. |
| Pivot foot exceptions | If a player lands with one foot first, they may only pivot using that foot. If a player jumps off one foot on the first step, they may land with both feet simultaneously for the second step, but they may not pivot with either foot. |
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What You'll Learn
When to start counting steps
The rules around steps in basketball can be a bit tricky and are often a source of debate, even among fans. The key thing to remember is that the step count begins when a player has gained control of the ball and has stopped dribbling.
In the NBA and FIBA, a player is allowed to take two steps after picking up or gathering the basketball. This is known as the “gather step” rule, which was introduced by FIBA in 2018 to bring more clarity and consistency to the traveling rules. The gather step rule states that once a player has gained control of the ball, they can take two steps in any direction to come to a stop, pass, or shoot the ball.
Some people mistakenly believe that the step count begins after the last dribble. However, this is not the case. The dribble is considered complete once the ball has been gathered back into the hand or hands of the player. So, if a player is still dribbling, you should not start counting their steps.
Additionally, it's important to note that the pivot foot also plays a crucial role in the step rules. The pivot foot is the foot that becomes the player's “anchor” when they have the ball. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it is deemed a traveling violation. However, spinning around on the pivot foot to shield the ball is a valuable skill that does not count as a step.
So, to summarize, the step count in basketball begins after a player has picked up or gathered the ball and has stopped dribbling. This is when you start counting their two allowed steps under the FIBA and NBA rules. Remember that the pivot foot is also an important aspect of the step rules, and moving it can result in a traveling violation.
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The two-step rule
In basketball, the two-step rule is an important aspect of the game that players must adhere to when in possession of the ball. This rule is also known as the travelling rule and is defined by the NBA and FIBA as taking more than two steps without dribbling. The rule states that a player, upon completion of a dribble, may take two steps before stopping, passing, or shooting the ball.
The enforcement of the two-step rule can vary depending on the basketball organization and league. While the NBA and FIBA adhere to the two-step interpretation, organizations like the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble. This means that players must be especially mindful of their footwork and movement to avoid violations.
Properly counting steps under the two-step rule is crucial for referees and players alike. The count begins when the last dribble is complete, which occurs when the ball is gathered back into the player's hand(s). If a player pauses during their movement, the steps can be counted if they can no longer dribble without carrying or double dribbling. Understanding the nuances of the two-step rule helps ensure fair and consistent enforcement during basketball games.
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Pivot foot
Pivoting is a fundamental skill in basketball, and the pivot foot is a key concept for players to understand. In simple terms, the pivot foot is the foot that remains in contact with the floor while a stationary player controls the ball. The player can spin or change position, as long as the pivot foot stays in the same place and maintains contact with the floor. The pivot foot can be established before dribbling or after the player has picked up their dribble.
There are two types of pivots: the forward pivot and the reverse pivot (or drop-step). In a forward pivot, the player spins or steps forward in a counterclockwise motion (if looking down from above), while in a reverse pivot, the player pivots or steps backward in a clockwise motion. The choice between a forward and reverse pivot will depend on the game situation and whether the player is right or left-handed. For example, a right-handed player facing the basket will usually plant their left foot as the pivot foot and make a jab step with their right foot, and vice versa for a left-handed player.
When a player is stationary, they can move one foot in any direction as long as the other foot, the pivot foot, remains planted on the floor. This is called pivoting and is a legal move in basketball. However, if the pivot foot is lifted before the ball is released from the hand(s), it is considered a travelling violation. The pivot foot can be used to jump off when passing or shooting, but neither foot may touch the floor again before the ball is released.
Practising pivoting is essential for young players to develop their basketball skills and game intelligence. Coaches can help players improve their pivoting skills by demonstrating the basic concept and providing practical drills. One such drill involves players getting into an athletic stance while holding the basketball close to their chest. The coach then signals for the players to pivot 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, ensuring they maintain the same height throughout the movement.
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The gather step
The "gather step" in basketball is a source of confusion for many players and fans. It refers to an extra third step that a player can make after picking up their dribble. This first step after the dribble is often referred to as the "zero step", with two additional steps allowed afterward. This rule was introduced by FIBA in 2017 and later adopted by the NBA in 2019.
The implementation of the gather step rule has made certain moves that appeared to be travels legal. This has allowed offensive players to make impressive plays that sometimes push the boundaries of the rules. Some critics argue that this leniency on traveling calls takes away from the fundamentals of the game and makes it harder for young players to understand what constitutes a travel.
Understanding the gather step rule is crucial for players and coaches to effectively utilize or defend against this move. It is important to note that the interpretation and application of the gather step may vary across different leagues and organizations.
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Carrying/double dribbling
Carrying and double dribbling are two of the most common violations in basketball. They are both related to the rules around dribbling, which limit the ball handler's advantage.
Carrying
Carrying, also known as palming, occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the basketball. The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states:
> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."
Players must dribble with their hand on top of the basketball. If their hand goes underneath and they continue their dribble, that is a carrying violation. Players also can't hold the ball and pause, then resume their dribble. Carrying violations are called more often in semi-pro and professional leagues than in youth leagues.
Double Dribbling
A double dribble is when a player dribbles, pauses, and then dribbles again. Once a player has started dribbling, if they stop, they have to pass or shoot—they can't dribble again. The ball can be switched from one hand to the other, but it must be bounced from one hand to the other—it can't be touched with both hands in between bounces. Double dribbling is an easier rule for referees to enforce than some other violations, like traveling.
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Frequently asked questions
A step in basketball is defined as the movement of one foot or both feet beyond the limits outlined in Article 25 of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2018. This movement is considered illegal if it occurs while the player is holding a live ball on the playing court. The moment one foot is lifted, the other foot becomes the pivot foot, and players must be careful not to move their pivot foot or they will commit a travelling violation.
The step count in basketball begins after a player has picked up or gathered the basketball. FIBA and NBA rules allow for two steps after pickup/gather, while high school and college rules only permit one step. Once the last dribble is complete, start counting steps. A dribble is considered complete once the ball has been gathered back into the player's hand(s).
The two-step rule in basketball states that a player may take two steps after completing a dribble before they must pass, shoot, or dribble again. This rule is also known as the gather step and was incorporated into the FIBA travelling rules in 2018 to bring more clarity and consistency to the sport.
