The Art Of Carrying In Basketball: Defining A True Carry

what constitutes a carry in basketball

Carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball lets their hand slide underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This gives the player an unfair advantage by manipulating the ball's movement, making it harder for the defence to react. Carrying is one of the most common violations in basketball and is usually unintentional. It can be difficult to detect in real-time, even for referees, and is often missed entirely. The penalty for carrying is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team, and it is statistically counted as a turnover.

Characteristics Values
Definition Carrying is a ball-handling violation in basketball.
Other names Palming, double dribble, travel
Cause Player puts their hand under the ball and either carries it from one point to another or brings it to a pause and then continues to dribble again.
Penalty Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team.
Statistic Counts as a turnover of the ball.
Prevention Keep your hand on the top or sides of the ball as you dribble – never fully under it.
Referees It can be difficult for referees to detect carrying in real-time.
Players Players can advance the ball by passing it to a teammate.
Rules Players are required to have their palms facing downwards at all times when carrying the ball and have two hands on the ball at all times unless shooting.

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Carrying is a ball-handling violation

The act of carrying gives the offensive player an advantage by manipulating the ball's movement, which makes it harder for the defence to react. It is also known as palming and is one of the most common violations in basketball. Carrying can be difficult to detect in real-time, especially in the fast-paced NBA, and referees may miss it. However, in recent years, there has been an increased focus on calling this violation.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) defines the carrying violation in Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) as:

> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."

This rule intends to create a period of continuous motion during dribbling, which keeps the ball in a hard-to-defend state. By pausing the dribble with their hand underneath the ball, the player gains an unfair advantage over the defence.

To avoid a carrying violation, players must dribble with their hand on top of the ball or to the sides, but not underneath it. They must also maintain control of the ball and limit their motions to avoid being pushed off balance.

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It is also known as palming

Carrying the basketball is one of the most common violations in basketball and is considered to be almost entirely unintentional. It is also known as palming. Carrying is a ball-handling violation, and the penalty is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team. This is known as a turnover.

The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states:

> "A player who is dribbling may not put any part of his hand under the ball and (1) carry it from one point to another or (2) bring it to a pause and then continue to dribble again."

Carrying can be considered a type of double dribble, which occurs when a player dribbles the ball, then holds it, and then continues to dribble. This is an interruption to the dribble, and it is this action that constitutes palming.

Palming occurs when a player dribbles the ball and turns their hand under it, momentarily holding it before continuing to dribble. This can give the player an unfair advantage by making it difficult for defenders to predict their movements.

Palming or carrying is often called during youth basketball games, as players are still learning the fundamentals of the game. It is important for coaches to correct players who frequently carry the basketball, as poor habits can be hard to break.

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It is an illegal dribble

An illegal dribble, or carrying violation, occurs when a player does not dribble with "continual motion" and instead stops, picks up the dribble, and starts again. This can happen in two ways:

  • Double Dribble: A double dribble is a type of carrying violation where the player allows the ball to come to a rest in either hand and then continues to dribble. This can also be called if the player dribbles too high and their hand is placed underneath the ball, or if they are stationary dribbling and accidentally palm the basketball.
  • Travel: A travel is another type of carrying violation. It occurs when a player carrying the ball takes an excessive number of steps without dribbling or when a player ends their dribble by holding the ball and then taking additional steps.

It's important to note that carrying violations can be difficult to detect in real-time, even for referees, as they often happen very quickly. Additionally, there are certain moves, such as the "pocket dribble," where the player's hand is behind the ball but not underneath it, that may look like a carry to the naked eye but are actually legal.

To avoid committing an illegal dribble, players should maintain continuous dribbling with no stopping, hesitation, or pausing. They should also keep their palms facing downwards and have two hands on the ball at all times unless shooting.

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It can be called a travel or double dribble

Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation that results in the opposing team gaining possession of the ball. It occurs when a player dribbling the ball has their hand underneath it and then briefly pauses without dribbling or bringing the ball below their waist. This can be called a travel or a double dribble, depending on the specifics of the violation.

A travel, or traveling violation, occurs when a player takes more than a predefined number of steps without dribbling the ball. The number of allowed steps varies depending on the league. For example, the NBA and FIBA consider taking more than two steps without dribbling to be a travel, while the NCAA and NFHS have stricter rules, not permitting any steps without a dribble.

A double dribble, on the other hand, is a violation that occurs when a player continues to dribble after one or both hands come in contact with the ball but does not dribble it beyond their head. In other words, it is when a player stops dribbling and then starts again, or touches the ball with both hands between bounces. Once a player starts dribbling, they must continue with a continual motion and cannot stop, pick up the dribble, and start again.

The distinction between a travel and a double dribble in the context of a carrying violation depends on the specific action that occurs after the initial pause in dribbling. If the player takes multiple steps without dribbling, it is considered a travel. If the player resumes dribbling after the pause, it is considered a double dribble.

In summary, carrying in basketball can lead to a travel or double dribble violation, depending on the specific actions of the player. Both violations result in possession of the ball being awarded to the opposing team.

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It is a turnover of the ball

Carrying in basketball is a ball-handling violation that results in a turnover of the ball. This means that the player's team loses possession of the ball, which is then awarded to the opposing team. This is a common violation, often committed by new players, and can be tricky to detect in real-time. It is also known as palming.

A carry occurs when a player dribbling the ball lets their hand slide underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This is an illegal dribble, as the player appears to be supporting the ball in their hand, momentarily pausing with their hand underneath the ball during one dribble sequence. The dribble must be continuous, with no stopping, hesitation, or pausing in between. Players are also required to have their palms facing downwards at all times when carrying the ball and have two hands on the ball at all times unless shooting.

The act of carrying the ball may be considered legal within the laws of the game, depending on the specific rules of the league or competition. However, there are usually specific rules concerning where and how the ball can be handled. For example, if a player carries the ball into the opposing team's territory, this is often considered a foul.

To avoid committing a carrying violation, players should keep their hands on the top or sides of the ball when dribbling, rather than fully underneath it. This rule is in place to ensure fairness and prevent awkward, halting movements that throw off defenders. It also helps to maintain the continuous motion that defines possession of the ball.

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