
Carrying, also known as palming, is a common violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner, gaining an unfair advantage over the defender. This advantage is created when the player's hand slides under the ball, causing a brief pause in the dribble before resuming. This rule is enforced to maintain fairness and fluidity in the game, ensuring defenders have a chance to react to the offensive player's movements. Carrying results in a turnover, with possession of the ball awarded to the opposing team. While it is a common violation, particularly in youth basketball, it can be tricky to spot and is often subject to inconsistent calls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of violation | Ball-handling violation |
| Penalty | Possession of the ball is given to the opposing team |
| Statistic | Counts as a turnover of the ball |
| Ball movement | Ball handler cannot move except while dribbling (bouncing) the ball |
| Dribbling rules | Ball handler cannot put any part of their hand under the ball |
| Dribbling rules | Ball handler cannot carry the ball from one point to another |
| Dribbling rules | Ball handler cannot bring the ball to a pause and then continue to dribble again |
| Other names | Palming, double dribble, travel |
| Referee discretion | Yes |
| Inconsistency in calls | Yes |
| Impact on game | Disrupts the flow of the game |
| Impact on game | Gives the offensive player an upper hand |
| Impact on game | Makes it harder for the defense to react |
| Impact on game | Disrupts the intended back-and-forth of the game |
| Occurrence | More common in youth basketball than in professional leagues |
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What You'll Learn

Carrying, or palming, is a violation
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."
In simpler terms, a carry happens when a player dribbling the ball lets their hand slide underneath it, briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This action can give the player an unfair advantage by manipulating the ball's movement, making it harder for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements.
Carrying is a common violation, especially in youth basketball, as players are still learning the fundamentals of the game and proper dribbling techniques. It is considered to be almost entirely unintentional, and players are often unaware they are doing it. To avoid this violation, players must dribble the ball without their hand going underneath it, and there should be no stopping, hesitation, or pausing in between dribbles.
Like other violations, the penalty for carrying is that possession of the ball is given to the opposing team, and it is statistically counted as a turnover.
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It occurs when a player's hand goes under the ball
Carrying the ball, or "palming", is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player's hand goes under the ball while dribbling. This rule is in place to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage over defenders, as it disrupts the fluidity and fairness of the game. It is also important to note that carrying is different from a "pocket dribble", where the player's hand is behind the ball and does not go underneath it.
When a player's hand goes under the ball, it can result in a brief pause in their dribble, which is considered a violation. This pause can give the dribbler an advantage by allowing them to change directions more easily and creating more separation from the defender. The defender may not be able to quickly adjust their momentum to stay in front of the offensive player, making it easier for the offensive player to attack the rim and score. Therefore, it is crucial for referees to be vigilant and call a carrying violation when they spot it.
The carrying violation is more commonly called in youth basketball games compared to high school, college, or professional games. This may be because youth players are still learning the fundamentals of the game and are more likely to make mistakes. Coaches play a vital role in correcting these mistakes and teaching proper dribbling techniques to avoid carrying. Small-sided games in practices can help players improve their dribbling skills in game-like situations.
While carrying the ball may seem like a minor infraction, it can have a significant impact on the dynamics of the game. It disrupts the continuous motion of dribbling and introduces an unnatural pause, affecting the intended back-and-forth flow of the game. This interruption in dribbling can make it challenging for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements, giving them an unfair advantage. Therefore, understanding and enforcing the carrying violation are crucial for maintaining a fair and competitive game of basketball.
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It gives the player an unfair advantage
Carrying the ball in basketball is a violation that gives the player an unfair advantage. It is also known as palming and occurs when a player dribbling the ball puts their hand under it, momentarily pausing the dribble before continuing. This action can be tricky to spot, even for referees, and can happen in a blink of an eye during a fast-paced game.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) specifically prohibits this action, stating:
> "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."
The violation of carrying exists to maintain fairness and prevent awkward, halting movements that disadvantage defenders. Without this rule, the offensive player would gain an upper hand by manipulating the ball's movement, making it challenging for the defense to react and predict their movements. The unnatural pause in the dribble disrupts the intended flow and back-and-forth of the game.
Carrying the ball can also be considered a form of double dribbling or traveling, which are related violations involving dribbling errors. Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles, touches or gathers the ball with one or both hands, and then dribbles again without dribbling beyond their head. Traveling, on the other hand, involves an offensive player illegally shifting their pivot foot while in possession of the ball.
While carrying the ball may be unintentional, it is a common violation that can occur at any level of basketball. To avoid this violation, players must maintain continuous dribbling with no stopping, hesitation, or pausing. Proper dribbling techniques are crucial for players to develop good ball-handling skills and ensure fair competition.
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It's often left to the referee's discretion
Carrying, or palming, is a violation in basketball that occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner. This violation can be tricky to spot, even for referees, players, and fans, as it can happen in the blink of an eye during a fast-paced game. The enforcement of the palming rule is often left to the referee's discretion, who must judge whether the dribble was illegally interrupted. This subjective element can lead to inconsistencies in calling violations, making it a challenge even for seasoned fans to understand and accept carrying calls.
Referees are responsible for determining whether a player's hand momentarily went under the ball or if the player's arm made an unnatural movement. The angle of the referee's view can sometimes obscure their judgment, and the speed of the game can also impact their decision-making. For example, a referee may need to decide if a player's hand briefly slid under the ball during a sprint, causing a carry, or if the player executed a "pocket dribble," a legal move where the hand is behind the ball but not underneath it.
The carrying violation exists to ensure fairness and prevent awkward, halting movements that throw off defenders. It gives the offensive player an advantage by manipulating the ball's movement, making it harder for the defense to react. The violation is called when a player's hand goes under the basketball, causing an interruption in the dribble. This interruption can be a brief pause or a more extended halt, depending on the referee's interpretation.
While carrying is a common violation, it is considered almost entirely unintentional. Players who carry are often unaware of their actions, so it is crucial for coaches to correct this early on to avoid poor habits that are hard to break. With proper guidance, players can learn to avoid carrying and improve their dribbling skills.
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It's one of the most common violations
Carrying the ball is one of the most common violations in basketball. It is also known as palming and is a ball-handling violation. Carrying occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner, with their hand sliding underneath the ball and briefly pausing the dribble before resuming. This action can give the player an unfair advantage by disrupting the flow of the game and making it difficult for defenders to predict and react to the offensive player's movements.
The National Basketball Association Rule No. 10 (Section II (d)) states that "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 is designed to keep the game fair and continuous, challenging players to dribble the ball without gaining an unnatural advantage over the defense.
Carrying is often mistaken for other violations such as double dribbling or traveling. Double dribbling occurs when a player dribbles the ball, stops, and then dribbles again without a clear pass or shot attempt. Traveling, on the other hand, involves an offensive player illegally shifting their pivot foot while in possession of the ball. Both of these violations, like carrying, result in a turnover, with possession of the ball being awarded to the opposing team.
While carrying is a common violation, it can be tricky to identify, especially in the fast-paced NBA. Referees must use their discretion to judge whether the dribble was illegally interrupted, and even seasoned fans may struggle to understand the nuances of the rule. Players can avoid carrying by practicing proper dribbling techniques, ensuring that the dribble is continuous and that the hand stays on top of the ball.
In summary, carrying the ball is a common violation in basketball that occurs when a player illegally dribbles the ball, gaining an unfair advantage over the defense. It is important for players to understand and avoid this violation to maintain the fairness and fluidity of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
Carrying, also known as palming, is a ball-handling violation in basketball. It occurs when a player dribbles the ball in an illegal manner, usually by letting their hand slide underneath the ball and pausing the dribble before resuming. This gives the player an unfair advantage over the defender.
Carrying is a violation because it disrupts the fairness and fluidity of the game. It gives the offensive player an advantage by allowing them to manipulate the ball's movement, making it difficult for defenders to react. It also introduces an unnatural pause, disrupting the intended back-and-forth flow of the game.
When a carrying violation is called, possession of the ball is given to the opposing team, resulting in a turnover. This hinders the offensive team's chance to score and can significantly impact the dynamics of the game.

























