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All posts by Andrew MorganTraveling is a basketball violation that does not count as a personal or technical foul. It occurs when a player takes too many steps while in possession of the ball without dribbling. Dribbling allows players to move freely with the ball. Any other movement with the ball will likely result in a traveling violation.
How Many Steps Can You Take In Basketball Without Dribbling?
After receiving the ball in a basketball game, a player cannot move more than two steps without passing, shooting, or starting to dribble. If a player takes more than two steps after receiving the ball without passing or shooting, they have committed a traveling foul.
Basketball rules state that players are allowed to pivot on one designated pivot foot an unlimited number of times. The pivot foot is the first foot that touches the floor after a player gets control of the ball.
A player will also commit a traveling foul if they lift their pivot foot off the ground.
How Many Steps Can You Take In Basketball While Dribbling?
There is no limit to how many steps you can take while dribbling provided at least one foot remains on the ground. The purpose of dribbling is to facilitate moving around the court while still maintaining possession of the ball.
However, players must maintain a constant dribble. If a player stops dribbling, they are not allowed to start dribbling again. This violation is known as a double dribble.
If a player puts two hands on the ball during a dribble, this is considered stopping the dribble, and therefore they cannot continue. A pass or shot must be made.
The Number of Steps You Can Take Without Traveling
A player cannot take more than two steps without dribbling without committing a traveling violation. When the player receives and controls the ball, they can take two steps before passing, shooting, or dribbling. These are known as gather steps.
A traveling violation will also occur if the player raises their pivot foot after controlling the ball. The pivot foot is the first foot that hits the floor after controlling the ball. If both feet are on the floor when a player receives the ball, they can choose whether the left foot or the right foot is the pivot foot.
The Number of Steps You Can Take Before Shooting
A basketball player can take two steps after receiving and controlling the ball before shooting. If they take more than two steps after receiving and releasing the ball, it is classed as traveling. The player is not required to shoot after taking two steps – they could start dribbling or make a pass. You also do not need to take two steps before shooting. You could shoot from a standing position or at the end of a dribble.
Layups and Number of Steps
While executing a layup, a basketball player in the NBA typically dribbles with the ball until they are close to the basket. Once they are within a few steps of the basket, they will grab the ball, take a step, jump, and shoot off the backboard into the hoop. Gaining control of the ball is a key aspect as is ensuring the ball touches the backboard.
It takes skill to pull one off correctly. Players typically approach the basket on the same side as their dominant hand. Within a few feet of the basket, they take one last large step toward the basket on their dominant side while gathering the ball. The final step is the step that propels the player into a jump with their launching foot. They often complete these steps so quickly and skillfully that spectators believe they are taking three steps.
Is Three Steps a Travel Violation in Basketball?
Under NBA rules, a basketball player cannot take more than two steps after receiving and controlling the ball. If they do, they have committed a traveling violation. Therefore if a player takes three steps after receiving and controlling the ball, they are committing a travel violation. The ref will call the foul and a punishment will be administered. A travel violation is punished by giving possession of the ball to the opposing team.
Examples of Traveling Violations
There are other situations that may not clearly present themselves as traveling but do count as traveling violations. When a player does any of the following while playing basketball, it is considered traveling:
- Starting to walk while holding the ball without dribbling
- Receiving a pass while running and taking three steps before dribbling
- Lifting or dragging the pivot foot without shooting or passing
- Falling while in possession of the ball
- Standing up from a position on the ground while in possession of the ball
- Taking a third step while attempting a layup
- Taking a step and then jumping while using two feet simultaneously as a launchpad while holding the ball
- Taking three steps after gathering the ball
- Airballing a shot and catching the ball before it touches a hoop or another player
- Passing the ball to themselves
- Picking up their dribble, then resuming dribbling
- Jumping to take a shot and not releasing the ball before their feet touch the ground again
How to Prevent Traveling Violations
If a player has good awareness while receiving the ball, they will be able to avoid a travel violation. They must be aware of:
- Their pivot foot – ensuring they plant their preferred foot and sticking with that same foot will help avoid traveling
- Their steps – making sure they do not take more than two steps after gathering the ball
- Their feet – players should not drag their feet
- Their jump – players should always try to leap from one foot to help avoid traveling
Penalties for Traveling Violations
The referee will punish a violation that was assessed as traveling by giving the ball to the other team.
First of all, they will signal the violation as traveling. This is done by rotating two fists around each other in front of their body, similar to holding a steering wheel. Possession is then handed over to the team affected by the traveling. This happens at the closest out-of-bounds point to where the violation occurred.
Basketball Traveling Rules Summary
- Traveling occurs when a player takes more than two steps after gaining control of the ball. It does not matter whether those two steps occur after receiving a pass or after they have stopped dribbling.
- While dribbling, a player can take as many steps as they like.
- Players must secure a pivot foot after controlling the ball. This is usually the first foot to touch the ground after receiving the ball. It cannot be switched to the other foot.
- Lifting or dragging the pivot foot is also deemed traveling, even if the pivot foot returns to its original position.
- Traveling is punished by giving up possession of the ball.
Conclusion
Traveling is a violation in basketball that involves a player taking more than two steps after controlling the ball.
The two steps are permitted after receiving the ball from a pass or after stopping dribbling in the run-up to a layup. These are known as gathering steps. Any more than two steps after controlling the ball is a traveling violation.
Players need to establish a pivot foot after receiving the ball. Moving the pivot foot without dribbling is also considered traveling. It is possible to commit this violation by falling over.
Traveling is punishable by relinquishing possession.
Traveling in Basketball FAQs
What is traveling in basketball?
Can you take three steps for a layup?
Should you take a pivot after taking two steps?
Can you pivot after dribbling?
When can three steps be adopted in the NBA?
Does a jump stop count as a travel in basketball?
