Understanding Basketball's Carry Rule

what is carrying in basketball

Carrying, also known as palming, is a common ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand under it and either carries it from one point to another or brings it to a pause before dribbling again. This rule intends to create a period of continuous motion that defines possession of the ball, giving the defense a chance to contain the offense. Carrying is a turnover, and the penalty is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team.

Characteristics Values
Definition Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball.
Penalty Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team.
Other Names Carrying is also known as palming.
Occurrence Carrying occurs during a dribble.
Rule A player who is dribbling may not put any part of their 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.
Impact on Fantasy Basketball Leagues Carrying counts as a turnover, which can negatively impact players' performance in fantasy basketball leagues.
Enforcement Since late 2022, the NBA has been stricter about enforcing carrying rules.
Difficulty in Detection Carrying can be challenging to detect in real time during a live game due to its rapid occurrence.
Misunderstanding Some spectators misunderstand the carrying rule and may perceive non-carries as violations.
Reasons for Rule The carrying rule maintains fluidity in the game and prevents the ball handler from gaining an unfair advantage.

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Carrying is a ball-handling violation

The carrying rule was implemented because it disrupts the fluidity of the game and gives the ball handler an unfair advantage. Carrying makes it easier for offensive players to change directions and makes them less predictable, which isn't fair for the defenders guarding them. It is similar to holding or double dribbling, as in both cases, the ball has stopped moving and is then bounced again. Carrying is also known as palming, and it is one of the most common violations in basketball. It is usually called when a player dribbling the basketball has their hand underneath it as they dribble but then briefly pauses without dribbling or bringing the ball below their waist.

Dribbling is subject to several rules that limit the ball handler's advantage. 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." Carrying violations can have a slight impact on fantasy basketball leagues, especially if a player is continually called for palming. Since carrying counts as a turnover, a player can lose points in a points league or negatively impact that category in a nine-category league.

It's worth noting that in recent years, NBA referees rarely call carrying – just like they only call the most blatant traveling violations. The NBA wants high-scoring games full of entertaining plays, so the league is less strict about carrying than in past eras. It's also difficult to detect carrying in real-time, as it often happens so fast that players, fans, and officials completely miss it. Players are allowed to put their hand under the ball – they just can't follow this action by carrying it from one point to another or bringing it to a pause.

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Carrying is also known as palming

Carrying, or palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player puts their hand under the ball and either carries it from one point to another or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble. Carrying makes it easier for offensive players to change direction and makes them less predictable, giving them an unfair advantage over defenders.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) 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."

Carrying is a common violation in the NBA, and players who frequently carry the ball can be targeted by defenders looking to force a turnover. While it is a violation, some spectators misunderstand the rule and it is not always called by referees, particularly in the NBA where high-scoring games are favoured.

To avoid carrying, players should keep their hands on top or on the side of the basketball while dribbling. While a player's hand is allowed to go under the ball momentarily, it might be too tempting for the player to carry, especially if they are crossing over or hesitating. Practicing these moves without palming would help the player reduce their carries.

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Carrying occurs during a dribble

Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation that occurs during a dribble. It is committed when a player puts their hand under the basketball and either carries it from one point to another or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble. This is also known as palming, as the player is essentially carrying the ball in the palm of their hand and directing it.

To avoid committing a carrying violation, players should dribble with their hand on top or on the side of the basketball. While a player's hand is allowed to go under the ball momentarily, it can be tempting for the player to carry, especially if they are crossing over or hesitating. It is important for players to be aware of this rule and to practice dribbling without palming, as carrying can result in a turnover, with possession of the ball being given to the opposing team.

Carrying is considered an illegal action as it goes against the principle of continuous motion that defines possession of the ball. By having possession, the person dribbling is on "offense" and is expected to make tactical decisions about their next move. Dribbling keeps the ball in a state that is hard for defenders to predict, and carrying gives the ball-handler an unfair advantage, making it easier for them to change directions.

While carrying is a violation, redirecting the basketball during a dribble is not considered carrying, provided the ball does not come to a pause. This rule can be misunderstood by spectators, who may see examples of carries that are not called. In recent years, NBA referees have also become less strict about calling carrying violations, as the league prioritises high-scoring games with entertaining plays.

In summary, carrying occurs during a dribble when a player puts their hand under the ball and either carries it or pauses and then continues dribbling. This violation can be avoided by keeping the hand on top or on the side of the ball and maintaining continuous dribbling motion.

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Carrying rules aim to prevent an unfair advantage

Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation. It occurs when a player dribbles with their hand underneath the ball, and then either carries it from one point to another or brings it to a pause before dribbling again. Carrying is also known as palming and is considered an illegal action. The rule intends to prevent an unfair advantage by creating a period of continuous motion that defines possession of the ball.

When a player carries the ball, they gain unfair control over it, making it easier to change directions and making them less predictable for defenders. This disrupts the fluidity of the game. The dribbler is always the focus, as they control the ball and can choose to pass, dribble more, or shoot. This is known as a "triple threat" because the defender must be aware of every possibility.

To avoid a carrying violation, players must dribble with their hand on top or on the side of the basketball. While a player's hand is allowed to go under the ball momentarily, it can be tempting to carry, especially when crossing over or hesitating. Practicing moves without palming can help players reduce carrying violations. Small-sided games can also help players practice their dribbling skills in game-like situations.

Carrying violations are common in basketball and are often unintentional. They can impact a player's performance and the outcome of the game. In recent years, NBA referees have rarely called carrying violations, except for the most blatant cases. However, in late 2022, the NBA began enforcing its carrying rules more strictly, resulting in an increase in carrying calls.

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Carrying is rarely called by NBA referees

Carrying, or palming, in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player excessively dribbles by holding the ball in one or both hands and continuing to hold it as they attempt to dribble again before the ball's momentum ends from the first dribble. This can also occur if a player cradles the ball in their hand and moves their hand down to the ball, pushing it upward to start a new dribble. It is a form of traveling, and it gives the offending player an unfair advantage over their opponents by allowing them to temporarily gain an extra point of contact with the ball. Carrying is often called in younger age groups of basketball to teach players the fundamentals of dribbling and to ensure they develop good habits. However, at the NBA level, carrying is rarely called by referees, and here's why:

The NBA has a different set of rules and interpretations when it comes to calling violations. The league tends to favor freedom of movement and expression within games, only enforcing the rules when absolutely necessary to maintain order and fairness. Carrying, while technically a violation, is often deemed by NBA referees as a 'minor' or 'tolerable' offense, especially if it occurs during a player's natural motion or in a way that doesn't provide a clear, significant advantage. Referees are instructed to use their discretion and only call carries when they blatantly impact the game or give a player an obvious, unfair advantage.

Additionally, the skill and precision of NBA players are far superior to those at lower levels of basketball. NBA players have honed their ball-handling skills to an elite level, and their quick hands and agile movements can sometimes blur the line between a legal and illegal dribble. Their advanced techniques and lightning-fast reflexes can make it challenging for referees to definitively determine whether a carry has occurred, especially in real-time during a fast-paced game.

Another factor is the speed and flow of the NBA game. Referees are mindful of the entertainment value and excitement that a fast-paced, free-flowing game provides to fans and viewers. Calling every minor carry would disrupt the game's rhythm and tempo, potentially impacting the overall quality and enjoyment of the game. As such, referees often let minor infractions slide to maintain a smooth and engaging contest.

Lastly, the NBA has a long history and a certain level of tradition associated with its rules and their interpretation. Over time, certain unwritten rules and accepted practices have developed, and carrying is one of those areas where a degree of leniency has become the norm. This doesn't mean that referees will never call a carry; blatant and excessive carries that significantly impact the game will still be penalized. However, for the most part, NBA referees prefer to let the players showcase their skills and creativity, only intervening when absolutely necessary.

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