Backcourt Violation
A basketball violation for illegally returning the ball to the backcourt after it has crossed into the frontcourt.
Definition
Once the offensive team has advanced the ball across the halfway (centre) line into the frontcourt with control, they may not be the last to touch it in the frontcourt and then be the first to touch it in the backcourt. Doing so is a backcourt violation, commonly called 'over and back,' and results in loss of possession.
The rule is closely tied to the requirement to advance the ball out of the backcourt within a set number of seconds after gaining possession — for example, eight seconds under FIBA and NBA rules. Together these rules stop teams from stalling deep in their own half and keep the game moving toward the basket.
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- 2026-09-01
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