The rules governing basketball vary slightly by country, region and level of play, but most of the core regulations are the same across the basketball universe. Although the interpretation and enforcement of these rules are the source of many an argument on playgrounds and in gyms around the globe, basic rules against such infractions as traveling, double dribbling and palming are followed by players of all levels around the world, from Beijing to Manila, Los Angeles and New York.
Out of Bounds
Out of bounds violations are one of the most common rule infractions in all games of basketball, and frequently happen when an offensive player catches a pass without realizing his foot is on the baseline or sideline.
Traveling
Traveling rules say a player cannot take more than two steps with the basketball after he has picked up his dribble. Once he's picked up his dribble, the player can use his pivot foot to traverse from side to side while preparing to pass or shoot, but he cannot lift or move it without being called for a travel.
Double Dribble
The double dribble rule mandates that once an offensive player stops dribbling, he cannot dribble again. He is also prohibited from bouncing the ball with two hands.
Carrying
A carrying violation, also known as a palming violation, occurs when a player lifts the basketball so that his palm is facing upward and is cradled under the ball. The player must keep his palm facing down and over the basketball at all times while dribbling it.
Offensive Goaltending
Offensive goaltending rules stipulate that an offensive player cannot tip in the rebounded shot of his teammate if it looks like the ball is going to go in.
Charging Foul
A charging foul occurs when a player charges into a properly positioned and stationary defensive player. This is most commonly witnessed during transition fast break plays when the offensive players are at a higher risk of being out of control as they barrel toward the basket in hopes of scoring a layup.
Three-Second Violation
The three-second rule stipulates that an offensive player cannot occupy the paint for more than 3 seconds unless he or she is in possession of the basketball. The paint, also known as the key or free throw lane, is a box-shaped part of the court that runs from the baseline under the basket out to the foul line. The three-second rule is designed to prevent offensive players from unfairly camping out in the paint while waiting for their teammates to get them the basketball.
Halfcourt Violation
In most basketball games, the offensive team has 10 seconds to get the ball across the halfcourt marker, or they'll be called for a halfcourt violation and forfeit possession of the basketball. The NBA has shortened this time to 8 seconds.
Moving Screen
When setting a screen, the offensive player must keep his feet set and his hands below his waist, or he'll be called for a moving screen violation.
Shot Clock Violation
The shot clock gives players on the offense a set amount of time in which they have to shoot the basketball. The NBA shot clock is 24 seconds. It's 35 seconds in the NCAA. If the offense cannot get a shot off within that time, it loses possession of the basketball.
Game Clock
The offensive player must release the basketball before the game clock buzzer sounds or the shot will be waived off, and will not count even if it goes in.
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