In basketball, traveling is a violation of the rules of basketball in which a player takes more than a predefined number of steps. Taking more steps without dribbling than this limit will result in a turnover and possession of the ball for the other team. In the NBA and FIBA, when a player has taken more than two steps without the ball being dribbled, a traveling violation is called. The NCAA and NFHS do not allow two steps. 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 traveling.

In basketball

Definitions

NCAA

Rule 9, Section 5. Traveling Art.

1. A player shall not travel with the ball. Art.
2. Traveling occurs when a player holding the ball moves a foot or both feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits described in this section. Art.
3. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the playing court may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot foot. Art.
4. A player who catches the ball while moving or ends a dribble may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows: Art.
5. After coming to a stop and establishing the pivot foot: Art.
6. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be the pivot foot: Art.
7. It is traveling when a player falls to the playing court while holding the ball without maintaining a pivot foot.

NFHS

The National Federation of State High School Associations (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.

NBA

Rule 10, 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. The second step occurs after the first step when the other foot touches the floor, or both feet touch the floor simultaneously. A player who comes to a stop on step one when both feet are on the floor or touch the floor simultaneously may pivot using either foot as his pivot. If he jumps with both feet he must release the ball before either foot touches the floor. A player who lands with one foot first may only pivot using that foot. A progressing player who jumps off one foot on the first step may land with both feet simultaneously for the second step. In this situation, the player may not pivot with either foot and if one or both feet leave the floor the ball must be released before either returns to the floor. c. In starting a dribble after (1) receiving the ball while standing still, or (2) coming to a legal stop, the ball must be out of the player’s hand before the pivot foot is raised off the floor. d. If a player, with the ball in his possession, raises his pivot foot off the floor, he must pass or shoot before his pivot foot returns to the floor. If he drops the ball while in the air, he may not be the first to touch the ball. e. A player who falls to the floor while holding the ball, or while coming to a stop, may not gain an advantage by sliding. f. A player who attempts a field goal may not be the first to touch the ball if it fails to touch the backboard, basket ring or another player. g. A player is not allowed to be the first to touch his own pass unless the ball touches his backboard, basket ring or another player. h. Upon ending his dribble or gaining control of the ball, a player may not touch the floor consecutively with the same foot (hop). According to some observers, enforcement of the rule as written is not necessarily rigorous in the NBA, and traveling violations are often overlooked.

FIBA

Article 25 of the FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2018: 25.1 Definition 25.1.1. Traveling is the illegal movement of one foot or both feet beyond the limits outlined in this article, in any direction, while holding a live ball on the playing court. 25.1.2. A pivot is the legal movement in which a player who is holding a live ball on the playing court steps once or more than once in any direction with the same foot, while the other foot, called the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor. 25.2. Rule 25.2.1. Establishing a pivot foot by a player who catches a live ball on the playing court: 25.2.2. A player falling, lying or sitting on the floor:

Penalty

The ball becomes dead and a throw-in is awarded to the opposing team out of bounds nearest the point where the violation took place under NCAA and NFHS rules. Under NBA rules, the ball is awarded to the opposing team at the nearest spot but no closer to the baseline than the free throw line extended.

Example

Historical rule changes

The interpretation and enforcement of this rule have seen various changes over the years, reflecting the evolution of the game and the establishment of rules by different leagues. Here's a brief overview of the progression of traveling rules: Early basketball: Initially, there were no concrete rules governing player movement. Referees had to rely on their judgment, without specific guidelines to determine a traveling violation. Dribbling's introduction: Contrary to what many might think, dribbling wasn't an original component of basketball. It was introduced by the Yale University basketball team in 1897, and over time, became a fundamental part of the sport. NBA and FIBA Standards: Both the NBA and FIBA define traveling as taking more than two steps without dribbling. However, the NCAA and NFHS have stricter interpretations, not permitting the two-step motion without a dribble. Gather Step Addition: In an effort to bring more clarity and consistency, FIBA, in 2018, incorporated the "gather step" into its traveling rules. This change made FIBA's interpretation more aligned with that of the NBA. Pivot Foot: Another dimension of the traveling rule is the pivot foot. If a player shifts or moves their established pivot foot, it's deemed a traveling violation. Slip Foot: If a player stops with the ball but they are in an unstable position and have to take a small step to regain balance, depending on how far the 'slip' is, it will be deemed as a travel violation. These adaptations over the years have aimed to bring uniformity to the traveling rules across various leagues and organizations. Such standardization has made the game more comprehensible and consistent for its players, coaches, and enthusiasts.

Clarifications

In netball

Netball rules do not permit players to let their landing foot touch the ground again if it is lifted at all while in possession of the ball, so players can take 1 1/2 steps while holding the ball. Pivoting does not count as a step. Players are entitled to balance on the other foot if the landing foot is lifted. An infraction of this rule is usually called traveling (or steps) as in basketball. IFNA Rule 14.3 states: A free pass is awarded to the opposing team where the infringement occurred.

In korfball

In korfball, either foot can be used as pivot, no matter which foot touches the ground first. This means that in practice, one can take 2 1/2 steps, e.g. landing on the right foot, putting down the left and displacing the right. The left foot is the pivot in this case. The left foot can then be lifted, but may not be repositioned.