
In basketball, a carry, also known as a carrying violation, occurs when a player dribbles with their hand under the basketball. Carrying can be difficult to detect in real-time, and it is often missed by players, fans, and officials. The difficulty in identifying a carry is further exacerbated by the pocket dribble, a technique used by NBA players where the hand is close to the hip and behind the ball, giving the illusion of a carry to the untrained eye. While the pocket dribble may make it seem like the ball momentarily pauses, it never completely stops moving, and referees are trained to spot this subtle difference. Carrying violations are more commonly called in youth basketball than in high school, college, or professional games.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | Carrying occurs during a dribble |
| Hand placement | Carrying occurs when the player's hand goes under the basketball |
| Pause in dribbling | Carrying occurs when the player brings the ball to a pause and then continues to dribble |
| Palm placement | Carrying occurs when the center of the player's palm goes beyond the midpoint line of the basketball |
| Ball movement | Carrying occurs when the player carries the ball from one point to another |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Carrying only occurs during a dribble
Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It is one of the most common violations in the game and is usually unintentional. Carrying occurs when a player dribbling the basketball has their hand underneath it, pauses without dribbling or bringing the ball below their waist, and then continues to dribble. It is important to note that carrying only occurs during a dribble; it is legal to have a hand underneath the ball when passing or shooting.
The dribbler must not allow the ball to come to rest in either hand before continuing to dribble. This is similar to double dribbling, where the ball handler continues to dribble after one or both hands come in contact with the ball but do not dribble it beyond their head. Carrying can be considered a type of double dribble or a travel, depending on the specific action during the violation.
To avoid a carrying violation, players must dribble with a continuous motion and cannot stop, pick up the dribble, or start again. The dribble must have no stopping, hesitation, or pausing in between. Additionally, players are required to have their palms facing downwards at all times and use both hands on the ball unless shooting.
While carrying is a violation, redirecting the basketball during a dribble is not considered carrying as long as the ball does not come to a pause. It is also important to note that carrying is distinct from traveling, which refers to taking too many steps when ending a dribble or moving illegally while dribbling. Traveling can also occur when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling or changes their pivot foot.
Strategies to Defeat Powerhouse Badminton Teams
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Carrying is when a player's hand goes under the ball
Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation. When a player is dribbling, they may not put any part of their hand under the ball and then carry it from one point to another. This is also known as palming.
The rule states that a player who is dribbling may not put any part of their hand under the ball and then carry it from one point to another or bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again. This means that if a player's hand goes under the basketball during a dribble, it is considered carrying. However, it is legal to have a hand underneath the ball when passing or shooting.
The centre of the palm going beyond the midpoint line of the basketball is considered a carry. This is different from a pocket dribble, where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. While a pocket dribble may look like a carry, it is not considered a violation as the ball never goes underneath the player's hand.
Carrying violations are more commonly called during youth basketball games, as players are still learning the fundamentals of the game, including proper dribbling techniques. Coaches play an important role in correcting players who frequently carry the basketball, as poor habits can be challenging to break.
Finding the Perfect Basketball Shoe: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Pocket dribbles are a legal move, not a carry
In basketball, a carry occurs when a player is dribbling and their hand goes under the basketball. It is considered a discontinuation of the dribble. A pocket dribble, on the other hand, is a legal move in which the player's hand is behind the ball, but not underneath it. While it may look like a carry to some, it is not a violation. The ball never goes beneath the player's hand, and the pause is typically not long enough to warrant a call.
Pocket dribbles are often used as hesitation moves by NBA players. They are a great way to improve footwork and are taught by many NBA skills trainers. The key to executing a pocket dribble effectively is to let the ball come up into your hand naturally, using a soft hand, and then pull it into your shot or move. This technique is all about control and rhythm.
While carrying the ball can give players an advantage, it is important for coaches to correct this habit early on. Poor dribbling habits can be challenging to break if not addressed properly. Small-sided games and dribbling drills can help players develop good dribbling skills and avoid carrying the ball.
Referees, especially in the NBA, are trained to spot the differences between a pocket dribble and a carry. They understand that a carry occurs when the centre of the palm goes beyond the midpoint line of the basketball. This distinction can be challenging to detect in real-time, even for experienced officials.
In conclusion, pocket dribbles are a legal move in basketball and should not be confused with carrying the ball. Players can use pocket dribbles as a strategic tool to improve their footwork and ball-handling skills without violating the rules. Coaches and referees play crucial roles in educating players on the proper techniques and enforcing the rules accurately during games.
The Art of Layups: Understanding Basketball's Scoring System
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Carrying is distinct from travelling
Carrying and travelling are two distinct violations in basketball, both of which can give an unfair advantage to the offensive player. Travelling is a violation where a player takes more than the predefined number of steps while holding the ball without dribbling. The number of allowed steps varies depending on the league, with the NBA and FIBA allowing two steps, and the NCAA and NFHS not allowing any steps. Travelling can also occur when a player drags their pivot foot along the floor, lifts and returns it to the floor, or establishes a new pivot foot.
On the other hand, carrying, also known as palming, is an illegal move where a player dribbles the ball and then allows it to come to rest in one or both hands before resuming dribbling. This can also occur when a player holds the ball in one hand without letting it fall naturally. Carrying is distinct from double dribbling, as there is no clear stoppage of the dribble, and the player's hand goes under the ball while dribbling. To avoid a carrying violation, players must keep the dribble continuous, without any stopping or hesitation.
The distinction between carrying and travelling lies in the specific actions of the player and the rules being violated. Travelling focuses on the number of steps taken without dribbling, while carrying focuses on the handling of the ball during dribbling. Carrying involves momentarily stopping the dribble by catching the ball in the hand, whereas double dribbling involves a clear stoppage of the dribble.
While both violations can be challenging to identify and enforce, proper understanding and application of the rules are essential for fair and competitive gameplay. Referees must be vigilant in their judgment to ensure that players adhere to the established guidelines and prevent illegal maneuvers that can provide an unfair advantage.
In summary, carrying and travelling are distinct violations in basketball, with travelling focusing on the player's steps and carrying focusing on the handling of the ball during dribbling. By understanding and enforcing these rules, referees can promote fair and competitive gameplay on the court.
Unleashing Basketball's PSI Secrets: A Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Carrying violations are called more in youth basketball
Carrying violations are called more frequently in youth basketball games than in high school, college, or professional games. This is because younger players are still mastering the fundamentals of the game, including proper dribbling techniques and ball-handling during high-speed plays.
A carrying violation occurs when a player is dribbling and their hand goes under the basketball, causing them to momentarily stop before resuming their dribble. This rule ensures that players maintain correct ball-handling techniques and promotes fair play. If a player is able to carry the ball, it can give them an unpredictable movement pattern, which can complicate defensive strategies and response times.
In youth basketball, carrying violations may be called when a player is dribbling too high and their hand is placed underneath the ball. It can also be called when a player hesitates in their dribble, and their hand slides under the ball, or when they are sprinting and trying to control their dribble. Stationary dribbling, where a player accidentally palms the basketball, can also result in a carrying violation.
While it may seem that some professional athletes get away with carrying violations, they are often executing technically legal maneuvers, such as the pocket dribble, where their hand is behind the ball but not underneath it. NBA referees are specially trained to spot the differences and only call a carrying violation when it actually occurs.
Planning a Badminton Tournament: Strategies for Success
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A carry in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles with their hand under the basketball, or when they bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again.
A carry can look like a player putting their hand under the ball and then continuing to dribble. Another common carry is the "pocket dribble", where the player brings their hand close to their hip, almost behind the ball, causing the ball to momentarily rest.
A carry can only occur during a dribble. It is legal to have a hand underneath the ball when passing or shooting.
Traveling involves how a player moves their feet without dribbling, whereas a carry involves improper ball handling while dribbling.
Carries can be difficult to detect in real-time because they often happen very quickly. In addition, referees may have different interpretations of the rules, leading to inconsistent calls.











































