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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- 2026-09-01
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