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What is the definition of traveling in basketball?
1. Traveling is a violation in basketball when the player who is holding the basketball moves one or both of their feet illegally. The most common way a player gets called for traveling is when they are holding the ball after picking up their dribble and they move their pivot foot. Another common way a player is called for traveling is when they take three or more steps when not dribbling the ball.
When a player is charged with traveling, the other team is then awarded the ball and must take the ball out of bounds near the place of violation.
What counts as a travel in basketball?
A traveling violation occurs when a player in possession of the ball takes more than the allowed number of steps without dribbling. In most leagues, players may take one step before shooting, passing, or dribbling the ball. However, NBA players may take two steps. There are a few other actions besides taking an extra step that can also be considered traveling, such as:
Jump stopping and then taking another step
If a player jump stops, they must then shoot, pass or dribble the ball before taking another step. If they take another step without dribbling, it’s a travel.
Rolling or standing up with the ball
If neither basketball team is in possession of the ball, this is considered a live ball. If a player gains possession on the floor, they are not allowed to roll or attempt to stand up without passing to a teammate or calling a time-out. If they do, it is considered a travel.
This type of travel is most common in lower-level leagues where players are still learning fundamentals, and loose balls are more prevalent.
Up and down traveling violations
An up and down is a type of traveling violation. A player that jumps into the air while in possession of the ball must make sure the ball leaves their hands before they land on the ground. If not, this is an up and down violation.
Taking a step without establishing a pivot foot
When a player catches the ball while standing, they must establish a pivot foot before they can move their other foot. For example, if the player lifts their right foot, the left foot is now established as their pivot foot and cannot move from its position. If they move or drag their first foot, the pivot foot, this is considered a travel.
Is sliding your feet a travel?
It is also considered an illegal movement of the pivot foot and a travel if a player establishes a pivot foot and then slides or drags it along the floor without lifting it. This is called traveling on a pivot.
Is catching an air ball traveling?
If a player shoots an air ball, that player may not be the first person who touches the ball. If they do catch their own air ball, that player will then be charged with traveling and a turnover.
If a player shoots an air ball and their teammate is the first player to touch the ball, that is legal. The rules state that the ball must hit the rim in order for the shot clock to reset.
Is traveling the same as carrying?
No. While carrying is a basketball violation, it is not the same as traveling. Carrying or palming is when a player places their hand underneath the ball or holds it too long while dribbling. Meanwhile, traveling violations are called on players who take too many steps without releasing the ball.
Kevin C. Cox/USA TODAY Sports
Traveling rule variations by league
Traveling definitions vary slightly across different leagues. The National Basketball Association (NBA), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), International Basketball Federation (FIBA), and National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) each have their own specific rules to determine what is a travel in basketball.
NBA
The NBA rule book allows players to take two steps after gathering the ball or after coming to a stop. They may also take an extra gathering step before establishing full control of the ball. However, the player cannot take an additional step, or gather step, after the two allowed steps or lift their pivot foot before releasing the ball. If a player violates any of these rules, they are traveling. Falling to the ground with the ball is also traveling in the NBA.
NCAA
The NCAA rules regarding traveling are similar to the NBA, but with one key difference. While the NBA allows three total steps, one gather step plus two steps, NCAA players can only take two complete steps in total.
In college basketball, players are allowed two steps after gathering the ball or after coming to a stop, and they cannot lift their pivot foot before releasing the ball. Players are also allowed to take one additional step after gathering the ball, as long as the first step is taken before the player’s pivot foot touches the floor. This step is known as the hop step.
FIBA
In FIBA rules, a player is only allowed to take one step after gathering the ball, and then they can take a second step or jump to shoot or pass. However, the player cannot take an additional step after the two allowed steps or lift their pivot foot before releasing the ball. Otherwise, they are traveling.
NFHS
The NFHS rules allow high school players to take three steps after gathering the ball or after coming to a stop, but they cannot lift their pivot foot before releasing the ball. Also, the NFHS does not allow a hop step or any other additional steps after the player has gathered the ball.
How many steps can you take between dribbles?
A basketball player who is dribbling the ball is allowed to take as many steps as they want. However, as soon as they stop dribbling and pick up the ball, they are only allowed to take a certain number of steps before they either shoot, pass or dribble again. The number of steps varies between basketball leagues.
Is it a travel in basketball when you take 2 steps?
Offensive players who receive the ball while progressing may take two steps while coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. However, they must release the ball before their second step, or it’s a travel.
Is 3 steps a travel in basketball?
In most instances, taking three steps while holding the ball is traveling. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the gather step and Euro step, and in high school basketball rules.
Can you take 2 steps before dribbling?
No, the two step rule only applies to a ball handler’s footwork when coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. If the player has not yet dribbled, they are only allowed one step before releasing the ball. Otherwise, they are traveling.
Can you take 2 steps and stop in basketball?
Basketball players are allowed to take two steps while coming to a stop. However, the player must release the ball before they put down their second foot.
What are the most steps you can take before dribbling?
To avoid a travel violation, players must take no more than two steps prior to releasing the ball and starting to dribble.
Exceptions to the traveling rule
Although these maneuvers may seem like traveling, basketball players can make a few types of steps that are not considered traveling, including the Euro step, gathering step, jump stop and layups.
The Euro step
A Euro step is an offensive move used to evade defenders and is commonly employed by perimeter players to create space and get a clear shot of the basket. This move was popularized in the NBA by Manu Ginóbili in the early 2000s and is often used by high-scoring players like James Harden.
To perform a Euro step, the player takes two steps in different directions — the first in one direction with the pivot foot and the second in the opposite direction with the non-pivot foot — before jumping off the non-pivot foot to shoot, dunk or pass.
Whether or not a Euro step is considered a traveling violation depends on how it is executed. If the Euro step involves taking more than two steps or changing pivot feet, refs will make a traveling call.
The gathering step
A gathering step, gather step or zero step refers to an extra step that players are allowed to take before gaining full control of the ball. A player is allowed to take one step after gathering the ball or after ending their dribble to come to a stop. The gathering step is considered part of this one legal step.
A gathering step is not a travel violation as long as the player does not take a second step after their gathering step. Once the player takes a gathering step, they must release the ball or shoot or pass it without taking any more steps, or it would be considered traveling.
The jump stop
If a player jumps off both feet simultaneously and lands on both feet at the same time, they may pivot one or both feet. This is called a jump stop and is not considered traveling as long as the player releases the ball before they lift one or both feet off of the ground again.
Why is a layup not traveling?
A layup is not considered traveling as long as it’s executed in compliance with the rules of the game. In a layup, the player who is shooting takes two steps after receiving or dribbling the ball and then jumps off one foot to shoot the ball for a field goal. Therefore, a layup is not traveling as long as the player does not take any additional steps or change their pivot foot before releasing the ball.
Ashley Landis/USA TODAY Sports
What is the penalty for traveling in basketball?
A traveling violation results in a turnover, meaning the team in possession of the ball must give up the ball.
When a player travels, the referee will blow their whistle to signify a traveling violation. The opposing team is given possession for an inbounds pass from the sideline or baseline, depending on where the violation occurred.
Why are players not allowed to travel?
Players are not allowed to travel in basketball because it gives them an unfair advantage over their opponents and violates the basic rules of the games. Traveling rules exist in the game to maintain a fair and level playing field, encourage skillful play and promote a fast-paced game.
Why is traveling allowed in the NBA?
Traveling is not allowed in the NBA, but many fans find the rules more relaxed than in other leagues. NBA referees start counting steps when a player begins to have control over the ball, which is usually after the gather step.
How can you avoid traveling in basketball?
The following tips can be used to avoid traveling violations during a basketball game and stay in compliance with the rules.
Keep your pivot foot in place
When you catch the ball, establish a pivot foot by planting one foot firmly on the ground. You can then move your other foot to pivot so you can pass the ball or shoot, but your pivot foot must stay in place until you release the ball.
Dribble the ball
If you’re moving with the ball, be sure to dribble. While you can take one step before dribbling or change direction with a pivot foot, you need to dribble the ball before taking any more steps.
Practice footwork
Focusing on quick and precise footwork in practice can help avoid traveling during games. It especially helps to work on pivoting and changing direction without lifting your pivot foot.
Be aware of your surroundings
Stay aware of the court and the positions of other players. If you’re running into a crowded area, be prepared to dribble or pass the ball to avoid traveling.
Examples of how traveling is used in commentary
1. The point guard slashes to the free throw line and scores, but has the basket called off when he takes one too many steps and is called for traveling.
SportsLingo goes the extra-inch with the meaning of traveling
There are multiple ways that a player can be charged with traveling. Here are some examples of how the traveling violation may occur:
- The player in possession of the ball drags their pivot foot.
- The player in possession of the ball lifts their pivot foot then puts in back on the floor, while not dribbling the ball.
- The player in possession of the ball jumps and returns to the ground without releasing the ball.
It is one thing to note that it is not traveling in NCAA play when a player falls to the ground with the ball. In NBA play, it is considered traveling.
Sport the term is used
1. Basketball
Also seen as:
1. Air ball
Also known as:
1. Walking
2. Steps
3. Travel
