Traveling (basketball term)

In basketball, travelling is a violation of the rules that occurs when a player holding the ball moves one or both of their feet illegally. Contrary to wide held belief, traveling is not defined by the taking of more than 1 or 1.5 steps without dribbling the ball; it is defined rather by the illegal movement of an established pivot foot. A similar rule with the same name exists in the related sports of netball and korfball.

Traveling is also called, predominantly in a streetball game, "walking" or "steps."

When a player has taken 3 or more steps without the ball being dribbled, a traveling violation is called. A travel can also be called via carrying or an unestablished pivot foot. If the pivot foot of a player changes or moves, it is considered a travel and the ball handler will be penalized. The only times traveling is acceptable is during the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, which isn’t a game, or if the defender fouls the ball carrier. In the latter case, the ball carrier retains possession of the ball and the opposing team gains a foul.

Section 72. Traveling

Art. 1. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the playing court may pivot, using either foot.

Art. 2. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:

Art. 3. After coming to a stop and establishing the pivot foot:

Art. 4. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be the pivot foot:

Art. 5. It is traveling when a player falls to the playing court while holding the ball without maintaining a pivot foot.

The NFHS traveling rule is almost identical to the NCAA rule, with an additional article clarifying restrictions regarding a player holding the ball while on the floor.

Section XIII—Traveling

a. A player who receives the ball while standing still may pivot, using either foot as the pivot foot.

b. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing or upon completion of a dribble, may take two steps in coming to a stop, passing or shooting the ball. A player who receives the ball while he is progressing must release the ball to start his dribble before his second step.

The first step occurs when a foot, or both feet, touch the floor after gaining control of the ball.

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