Travelling
A basketball violation for illegally moving the feet while holding the ball without dribbling.
Definition
Travelling occurs when a player holding the ball takes more steps than the rules allow without dribbling — for example, moving the established pivot foot, or taking too many steps during a gather and drive. It is a violation rather than a foul, so the penalty is loss of possession, with the ball awarded to the opponents for a throw-in.
The exact step count is defined precisely in the rulebook, including the 'gather' step permitted before the count begins, which is a frequent source of debate. Travelling is colloquially called 'steps' or 'walking,' and it is distinct from carrying (palming), which concerns the dribbling hand rather than the feet. Netball has an analogous but stricter footwork rule.
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Rules
- 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.
- Backcourt violationA basketball rule breach for returning the ball into a team's own defensive half after it has crossed into the attacking half.
- Out of boundsThe rule that a ball or player leaving the marked playing area is out of play and possession is decided at the boundary.
Skills
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- Treading waterThe skill of staying afloat and upright in deep water without moving anywhere.
- ReboundingThe basketball skill of gaining the ball after a missed shot.
- BalanceThe skill of keeping the body stable and controlled while still or moving.
- CatchingThe skill of cleanly securing a ball travelling through the air or off the ground.
Techniques
- 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.
- Topspin ForehandA forehand groundstroke hit with a low-to-high swing that puts forward spin on the ball so it dips and kicks up on landing.
- Push-UpA bodyweight exercise that lowers and raises the body by bending and straightening the arms while holding a rigid plank line.
- 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.
Movement patterns
- PivotA rotation of the body about one planted foot, reorienting the trunk and hips around a vertical axis without travelling to a new location.
- KickA ballistic single-support leg swing that whips force from the plant foot through the hip and knee to strike or propel a ball or target with the foot, distinct from the weight-bearing steps of locomotion.
- CarryHolding and transporting a load while keeping the trunk braced and stable — an anti-movement pattern that builds grip, core stability and full-body strength.
- BackpedalControlled backward locomotion performed while facing forward, staying low and pushing off the balls of the feet in short strides to stay reactive and keep play in view.
- Shuffle (Lateral Shuffle)A low, athletic side-to-side stepping pattern in which the feet never cross, used to reposition and stay balanced and reactive while keeping the shoulders square to a target.
Skills Academy
- Ball-sport skillsThe skills that recur across ball games — control, passing, dribbling, shooting and defending.
- Object-control skillsHandling a ball or implement — controlling, receiving, passing and moving it with intent.
- Team-play skillsThe skills that make a team work — combining, covering and communicating through the ball.
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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