Basketball is a team sport invented by Dr. James Naismith in the late 19th century in the United States. It has become an international sport played professionally around the world on several continents, including North America, Europe and Asia. Basketball has numerous technical rules, several of which involve traveling--one of the principle dribbling violations.
Traveling
In order to legally move while in possession of the basketball, players must maintain a constant dribble. If, at any point during possession of the basketball, a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the basketball, it is a traveling violation, and the ball is then given to the opposing team.
Pivoting
A player who receives the basketball is allowed to establish a pivot foot both before dribbling as well as after ceasing to dribble. This pivot foot--from which a player may change positions or create misdirections with the other foot--must remain firmly on the court without losing contact with the floor or losing its original position. The entire foot is not required to maintain contact; players are allowed to pivot on the ball of the foot or the heel. However, if the entire pivot foot slides or loses contact with the court before a player begins dribbling or after the dribble has been picked up, this is a traveling violation.
Double Dribble
A player who dribbles, holds the ball momentarily either with one or both hands, and then continues to dribble again violates the rules of traveling. This particular traveling violation, called a double dribble, results in a turnover, and the opposing team is awarded the basketball.
Carrying
A player, when dribbling, is not allowed to palm the basketball such that it is carried in the hand for any length of time above the waist. Sometimes called palming, carrying is technically a traveling violation. In the National Basketball Association, players are rarely charged with carrying unless the violation creates a gross and unmistakable pause in dribbling which affords the offensive player a competitive advantage.
Member Comments