
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner. This happens when a player momentarily holds the ball while dribbling by placing their hand under it, giving them an unfair advantage. The palming rule is designed to maintain fairness and fluidity in the game, challenging players to dribble correctly and not gain an advantage over the defence. While palming is a violation, simply gripping the ball with one hand is allowed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the violation | Palming or Carrying |
| Description | A violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner |
| Hand position | Player's hand comes to rest underneath the ball |
| Dribble interruption | The dribble is considered interrupted if the ball comes to rest in the player's hand, and they then continue to dribble again without a clear pass |
| Penalty | Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team |
| Statistic | Counts as a turnover of the ball |
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What You'll Learn

Palming is a violation
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in a way that gives them an unfair advantage over the defence. This typically happens when a player turns their hand under the ball and momentarily holds it before continuing to dribble. This action can disrupt the natural flow of the game and make it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements.
To ensure fair play, the palming rule prohibits players from placing their hand under the basketball while dribbling. This rule aims to prevent players from carrying the ball from one point to another or bringing it to a pause and then resuming dribbling. By enforcing this rule, referees maintain the fluidity and fairness of the game, encouraging proper ball-handling techniques.
The interpretation and enforcement of the palming rule can vary and are often left to the referee's discretion. Inconsistent calls for palming violations can lead to confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans. However, understanding the rule is crucial for players to develop their skills and for spectators to appreciate the strategic nuances of the game.
Some notable players, such as Iverson, Francis, Jason Williams, and Marbury, were known for their tendency to palm the ball during dribbling. This technique allowed them to suspend their dribble momentarily and create opportunities for manoeuvres that defenders found challenging to anticipate. However, the enforcement of the palming rule has evolved, and players are now less frequently seen palming the ball.
While palming during dribbling is a violation, simply gripping the ball with one hand, as famously done by Michael Jordan (MJ), does not constitute a violation. This distinction has caused confusion among fans, coaches, and players, with some misunderstanding the rule and its enforcement. Nevertheless, the palming rule remains an important aspect of basketball, designed to maintain the balance between offence and defence.
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Happens when dribbling illegally
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner. This violation disrupts the fairness and fluidity of the game, and players who violate this rule give themselves an unfair advantage.
When a player dribbles the ball, they are not allowed to turn their hand under the ball and hold it momentarily. This action can give the player an advantage by halting the dribble and then continuing it, making it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements. If a player's hand comes to rest underneath the ball, a palming violation is called, and the player is deemed to have carried the ball.
The dribble is considered interrupted if the ball comes to rest in the player's hand, and they then continue to dribble again without a clear pass or shot. The palming rule in basketball is designed to keep the game fair and continuous, challenging players to dribble the ball without gaining an unnatural advantage over the defence.
The enforcement of the palming rule is often left to the referee's discretion, who must judge whether the dribble was illegally interrupted. This can lead to inconsistent calls, causing confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans. A clear understanding of what constitutes palming is crucial for players to develop proper ball-handling techniques, while understanding the rule helps fans appreciate the skill on display.
In terms of penalties, if a player violates the palming rule, possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. This counts as a turnover, and the opposing team is awarded the ball out of bounds nearest the point of violation.
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Player's hand rests under the ball
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in a way that gives them an unfair advantage over the defence. This happens when a player's hand comes to rest under the ball, momentarily carrying it instead of dribbling. This action can interrupt the dribble, allowing the player to halt and then continue, making it difficult for defenders to predict and react to their movements.
To understand the palming rule, it is important to know the difference between carrying and dribbling. Dribbling involves bouncing the ball off a hard surface, such as the floor, while carrying involves holding and moving the ball without dribbling. In basketball, carrying the ball is a violation that can give the offending player an advantage over the defence.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) specifically addresses palming or carrying: "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." This rule ensures that players dribble correctly and do not gain an unfair advantage.
When a player is found to be palming the ball, the referee may call a violation, and possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. The enforcement of the palming rule can vary and is often left to the referee's discretion, who must judge whether the dribble was illegally interrupted. Inconsistent calls can lead to confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans.
To avoid a palming violation, players must ensure that their hand does not come to rest underneath the ball while dribbling. Instead, they should focus on maintaining a consistent dribble by bouncing the ball off the floor without interruption. Proper ball-handling techniques are crucial for players to avoid violations and develop their skills effectively.
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Dribble interruption occurs
Palming, also known as carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner. This violation can give the player an unfair advantage and disrupt the fairness and fluidity of the game.
A dribble interruption occurs when a player momentarily halts their dribble and then continues dribbling. This can be achieved by turning the hand under the ball and holding it while dribbling, or by bringing the ball to a pause in the player's hand before dribbling again. This action can make it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements, as it gives the dribbler more control over the ball.
The dribble is considered interrupted if the ball comes to rest in the player's hand, and they then continue to dribble without a clear pass or shot attempt. This interruption in the dribble is often left to the discretion of the referee to judge, and inconsistent calls can lead to confusion and debate among players, coaches, and fans.
To avoid a palming violation, players must ensure they do not put any part of their hand under the ball while dribbling, as this can give the impression of carrying the ball from one point to another or bringing it to a pause. Redirecting the ball during a dribble is allowed, as long as the ball does not come to a complete stop.
Understanding the palming rule is crucial for players to develop proper ball-handling techniques and for fans to appreciate the skill and strategy involved in the game.
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Results in a turnover
In basketball, palming is an illegal action that occurs when a player excessively turns their palm facing forward while dribbling, resulting in the ball being pushed or directed, rather than simply controlling its fall after hitting the playing surface. This violation is often called a 'double dribble' and results in a turnover, giving possession of the ball to the other team. Here's a more detailed explanation of why palming results in a turnover:
When a player palms the basketball, they are essentially gaining an unfair advantage by using their hand to direct the ball's movement, which simulates a passing or shooting motion. This action is not allowed because it takes away from the skill and strategy of dribbling, which is meant to be a method of advancing the ball while keeping it under control. By palming, a player could easily push or throw the ball ahead of them, disrupting the defensive positioning of the other team and creating an unfair advantage.
The turnover occurs because the player has essentially lost control of the dribble. A proper dribble involves using a more relaxed hand and wrist to guide and control the ball, keeping it in a relatively consistent path. When a player palms, they are using too much force and are no longer dribbling but rather pushing or throwing the ball, which is against the rules.
Additionally, palming can create a messy and unpredictable playing field. If players were allowed to palm and push the ball forward, the game would become more chaotic, with balls careening off in different directions. This would take away from the strategic and skill-based nature of the game, where precise dribbling and passing are key components.
To avoid palming, players should focus on keeping their palms facing downward or slightly angled towards their body while dribbling. The wrist and fingers should be relaxed and used to guide the ball, not push it. Proper dribbling technique emphasizes control and rhythm, ensuring that the ball bounces in a consistent and predictable path.
In summary, palming in basketball results in a turnover because it gives the dribbler an unfair advantage and takes away from the skill and strategy of the game. By understanding and avoiding palming, players can improve their dribbling technique, maintain possession, and adhere to the rules that help ensure a fair and competitive game.
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Frequently asked questions
Palming, often called carrying, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner.
A player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner when they momentarily halt their dribble by placing their hand underneath the ball, and then continue dribbling. This can give the player an unfair advantage, as it makes it difficult for defenders to predict and react to their movements.
The penalty for palming is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. This counts as a turnover of the ball.
Yes, palming and carrying refer to the same violation in basketball.











































