The official rules of the National Basketball Association, or NBA, describe specific dribbling and traveling violations. Several of these violations involve the number of steps you take with the ball after receiving it. Learn the rules about dribbling and moving with the ball to avoid committing a violation and losing possession of the ball during a game.
Dribbling Rules
You cannot run or walk with the ball without dribbling it. If you stop dribbling, you cannot take any additional steps or move a pivot foot. You also cannot begin a second dribble. If the ball comes to rest on your hand or palm, you end your dribble and cannot begin another one.
Receiving the Ball
Specific rules dictate the steps and pivoting you can make when you receive the ball, whether from a teammate's pass or throw-in or from an opponent's misdirected throw or shot attempt. If you receive the ball while standing with both feet on the ground, you can pivot with either foot. If you receive the ball while in motion, you have two counts to stop moving. If you catch the ball with one of your feet already on the floor, you have already your first count. If you catch the ball with both of your feet in the air, your first count occurs when your first foot touches the floor or when both feet touch the floor at the same time. The second count occurs with the next touch of one of your feet to the floor. If you stop on the first count, you can use either foot to pivot. If you stop on the second count, you can only use your rear foot to pivot. If you do not stop until you have taken two-and-a-half or more counts, the referee can call a traveling violation. If you make an illegal pivot, the referee can also call a violation.
Violations and Penalties
If the referee notices you taking any steps without dribbling the ball or taking too many steps after receiving the ball in motion, she can call a traveling violation. As a penalty for this violation, your team will lose possession of the ball. The opposing team will then get to throw the ball in from the sideline.
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