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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Rules
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Double dribbleA basketball violation for dribbling with two hands at once, or for dribbling again after picking up the ball.
- GoaltendingA basketball violation for interfering with a shot while the ball is on its downward path to the basket or above the rim.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
Techniques
- Volleyball SpikeA powerful attacking hit that drives the ball sharply downward over the net into the opponent's court, usually after an approach and jump.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- Crossover DribbleA basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
Skills
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- ServingThe skill of putting the ball or shuttle into play to start a point or rally.
- Returning serveThe skill of reading and playing back an opponent’s serve to stay in the rally.
- ShootingThe skill of striking or releasing the ball toward the goal or basket to score.
- SpikingThe volleyball skill of jumping and striking the ball forcefully down into the opponent’s court.
Tactics
- Fast breakPushing the ball up court at speed after a turnover or rebound to score before the defence sets up.
- Wing playAttacking down the flanks and crossing the ball into the box to stretch the defence and create chances.
- Full-court pressAn aggressive basketball defence that pressures the ball across the whole court to force turnovers.
- High pressA football tactic where a team hunts the ball high up the pitch to win it back close to the opponent’s goal.
- Pick and rollA two-player basketball action where one player screens for the ball-handler, then rolls to the basket.
Officiating
- Out-of-Bounds CallAn official's ruling that the ball or a player in possession has left the legal playing area, stopping play and handing a restart or possession to the opponent.
- AdvantageIn many sports, officials let play continue after a foul when stopping would help the offender, so the fouled team keeps the advantage it has gained.
- Foul callA foul call is an official's ruling that a player broke a rule of contact or conduct, triggering a penalty such as a free kick, free throw or penalty.
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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