In basketball, understanding the nuances of movement with the ball is crucial for both players and fans. One of the most debated and sometimes misunderstood rules is traveling. Often confused with a legal maneuver known as the “gather,” traveling can lead to turnovers if not properly understood. This article breaks down the travel rule in basketball, focusing on the critical aspect of the gather and the allowed steps, based on official NBA rules.
Deciphering the Traveling Rule
The NBA rulebook provides a clear definition of traveling, outlined in Section XIII—Traveling of Rule No. 10. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
- Pivoting: If a player receives the ball while stationary, they can pivot on either foot. This foot becomes their pivot foot.
- Steps After Gathering While Progressing: A player who is moving when they gather the ball is allowed a certain number of steps:
- Two Steps to Stop, Pass, or Shoot: Whether gathering while running or dribbling, a player can take two steps to come to a stop, pass the ball, or shoot.
- One Step Before Dribbling: If a player hasn’t dribbled yet when gathering the ball while moving, they can take one step before starting their dribble.
- Defining the Steps:
- First Step: Occurs when a foot or both feet touch the ground after gaining control of the ball.
- Second Step: Occurs after the first step when the other foot touches the ground or both feet touch down simultaneously.
- Stopping on Step One: If a player stops on the first step with both feet grounded at the same time, either foot can be the pivot foot. If they jump with both feet, the ball must be released before either foot touches the floor again.
- Landing on One Foot First: If a player lands on one foot first for the first step, only that foot can be the pivot foot.
- Jump Stop on Second Step: A player can jump off one foot for the first step and land with both feet simultaneously for the second step. In this case, pivoting is not allowed, and the ball must be released before either foot leaves the floor again if they jump.
- Starting a Dribble: When beginning a dribble from a standstill or after a legal stop, the ball must leave the player’s hand before the pivot foot is lifted.
- Lifting the Pivot Foot: If a player lifts their pivot foot while holding the ball, they must pass or shoot before the pivot foot returns to the ground. Dropping the ball and being the first to touch it again is not permitted.
- Sliding: A player who falls while holding the ball or stopping cannot gain an advantage by sliding.
- Field Goal Attempts: After a field goal attempt that doesn’t hit the backboard, rim, or another player, the shooter cannot be the first to touch the ball.
- Passing to Oneself: A player cannot be the first to touch their own pass unless it hits the backboard, rim, or another player.
- Hopping: After ending a dribble or gaining control of the ball, a player cannot consecutively touch the floor with the same foot (hop).
Penalty for Traveling: Loss of possession. The opposing team gets the ball at the sideline, nearest to the violation, but no closer to the baseline than the free-throw line extended.
Gather vs. Travel: Recognizing the Difference
The “gather” is a crucial concept for understanding Travel In Basketball. It refers to the act of a player gaining control of the ball while moving, which precedes the permitted two steps. A legal gather allows players to move dynamically while maintaining control before making their next move, whether it’s a shot or a pass.
Consider this example: A player is driving to the basket. As they move, they secure the ball in their hands – this is the gather. From this point, they are allowed two steps to come to a stop, shoot, or pass. The image above illustrates a legal gather followed by a shot, demonstrating how players can utilize movement effectively within the rules.
Another clear example of a legal gather is demonstrated by players like Giannis Antetokounmpo. In the example above, Giannis gathers the ball while moving with his left foot on the ground. He is then legally allowed two steps in any direction to make his play. This highlights how elite players use the gather to their advantage, maximizing their movement while staying within the boundaries of the traveling rule.
In Conclusion
Understanding the travel rule, particularly the concept of the gather and the allowed steps, is essential for appreciating the flow and athleticism of basketball. By grasping these rules, fans can better understand the legality of player movements, and players can refine their techniques to maximize their offensive potential while avoiding crucial turnovers. For a comprehensive understanding, refer to the official NBA rulebook.
