What Is Carrying the Ball in Basketball? Rules, Violations, and Referee Calls
Carrying the ball — often referred to as palming — is one of the most commonly misunderstood violations in basketball. Unlike traveling or double dribble, carrying occurs during the act of dribbling and involves improper hand placement or a pause in the ball’s motion. When called, it results in an immediate turnover, giving possession to the opposing team.
A legal dribble in basketball requires the ball to be bounced continuously with the hand staying on top or along the side of the ball. If a player allows the ball to rest in their hand or places their palm underneath it, the action may be ruled as carrying. This violation exists to prevent players from gaining an unfair advantage by controlling the ball beyond what a standard dribble allows.
What Does Carrying the Ball Mean?
Carrying is a dribbling violation that happens when a player disrupts the natural bounce of the ball. It typically occurs when:● The hand moves underneath the ball during a dribble● The ball briefly comes to rest in the player’s hand● The dribble’s direction or rhythm is altered unnaturallyIn these situations, the player effectively stops the dribble and resumes it illegally, which breaks the rules governing continuous ball control.
How Referees Identify a Carry
Referees judge carrying based on hand position and ball movement, not on the speed of the move. Key indicators include:● The palm turning upward while controlling the ball
● A visible pause where the ball stops bouncing
● Lifting or guiding the ball before it naturally hits the floorEven a split-second pause can be enough for officials to whistle the violation if it provides an advantage.
Common Situations Where Carrying Occurs
Carrying is most often seen during advanced dribbling moves such as:
● Crossover and hesitation dribbles
● Spin moves and behind-the-back dribbles
● Slow or high dribbles that allow extra controlAt higher levels, some moves may look like carrying, but they remain legal as long as the ball does not stop and the hand stays on top or to the side.
Penalty and Game Consequences
When a carrying violation is called:
● The offensive team immediately loses possession
● The opposing team is awarded the ball for an inbound play
● The violation is recorded as a turnoverIn close games, a single carrying call can shift momentum and impact the outcome.,
Read More ›
Carrying vs. Similar Violations
Carrying is often confused with other rule infractions:
● Traveling: Involves illegal steps without a proper dribble
● Double dribble: Happens when a player stops dribbling and starts againCarrying differs because it occurs within the dribble itself, not before or after it.,
Why Understanding Carrying MattersFor players, understanding the carrying rule is essential for:
● Improving ball-handling fundamentals
● Avoiding unnecessary turnovers
●Adapting dribble moves to game situationsFor coaches and officials, consistent enforcement helps maintain fair play and balance between offense and defense.
Conclusion
Carrying the ball is a fundamental basketball violation that occurs when a player improperly controls the ball during a dribble. Though often subtle, it plays a critical role in maintaining fairness and flow in the game. Mastering proper dribbling technique helps players avoid costly mistakes and ensures the game is played within the rules.
