The speed and energy of a basketball game rely on dribbling. Failure to dribble continuously can lead to a number of violations. Traveling, in which the player moves while holding the ball in his hands, is the best known, but there are others. Carrying is one of these violations.
Definition
Carrying occurs when an offensive player supports the ball using her hand rather than dribbling it against the court surface. When dribbling, the player's hand should be on the upper part of the ball. If the player ever moves his or her hand to the underside of the ball, the rule against carrying comes into effect. Since players frequently move their hands around the surface of the ball to improve ball control, referees need to be vigilant to prevent carrying.
Penalty
Carrying is classed as a violation rather than a foul. This means that when the referee calls the violation against a player, the ball becomes "dead," meaning that the offensive team loses control of it. The ball passes to the opposing team, who may throw it in from the point nearest to where the violation occurred. In the NBA, this point may not be closer to the baseline than a line extending from the free-throw line.
Related Violations
Carrying is one of a number of violations related to dribbling. Traveling occurs when a player takes more than one step without dribbling the ball. An extra step is permitted during a lay-up, but any further steps without dribbling are a violation. Double-dribble is another related violation. Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles the ball, holds it, and then dribbles again without either shooting or passing. It can also be called against a player who dribbles with both hands.
Alternative Terminology
Basketball terminology can be somewhat confusing and is sometimes used imprecisely. Although the two violations both involve holding the ball in the hands rather than dribbling it, carrying and traveling are not exactly the same. However, because the two words have similar meanings, some players and fans use the term "carrying" to mean the same thing as traveling. Some also use the alternative term "palming" to describe placing the hand underneath the ball.
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