Traveling With Basketball

Traveling is the habitual movement of individuals between different distant geographic locations. Travel can generally be one way, either round trip or across, and is often done by foot, car, plane, train, bus, boat or other modes. The type of travel to be made will depend on the destination, the duration of the trip, the means of transportation available, and budget. There are three types of traveling, mainly categorized according to the mode of transportation used, as land, air, and water.

land traveling is when an individual travels from point A to point B. This can include traveling around or among countries, traveling within the borders of a country, traveling between countries, or traveling within a state or region. A pivot foot is when one’s feet stay on the floor as one travels. While a dribble is when one leaves the ground and travels over one’s own body in a diagonal motion.

Dribbling is often confused with traveling without dribbling. While a European-step is a common term for a traveling violation, “dribbling” is the official term for any kind of step that takes one’s feet off the ground while traveling. For example, a basketball player would be considered a “dribbler” if she or he lands on their stomach, without dribbling down. This type of moving violation is commonly called a “towel slip.” Other common types of traveling violations include jaunting (running out of bounds) and jumping.

Jaunting is when one’s feet are apart, but not necessarily touching, when moving from side to side. For example, a defender would take a defensive position, then assume an offensive position and take a dribble, turning into the ball handler. The defender must now assume an offensive position, taking a few steps back, turning back towards his or her original position, then taking a few more steps toward the basket. It is necessary to “pivot” or move into position once inside the perimeter of the court. A good offensive player should have an ability to pivot and avoid a potential fine.

Jumping refers to leaping from one foot to another in an attempt to get away from a defender. Many people think of leaping as using a two-leg technique. However, anyone can jump. A basic jumping technique is to use a very high leap, then landing on one leg. For example, if a defender is five feet away, a basketball player may use a two-leg technique: Take two quick steps, then land on one leg. If the defender is only four feet away, a more traditional jumping technique is used: Take one jump, land on the same leg, take two more jumps.

Whether jumping or dribbling is part of an offensive attack, offensive players can still be guilty of traveling when they are not playing within the rules. Traveling a minimum of one foot per step is called for under the current regulation of basketball. Therefore, if a player receives a traveling violation he or she must leave the game and don’t be eligible to play the next time until they clear the penalty box. The majority of NBA players follow the rules; however, they take pride in knowing that they don’t violate the rules while playing. And for the sake of fairness to other teams, players are forced to leave the court without receiving a penalty.