What Is Carrying in Basketball? Understanding the Rule 2025
Carrying: Basketball is a game of rhythm, skill, and fast-paced motion. While fans and players alike often focus on scoring, defense, or high-flying dunks, there are technical rules that play a pivotal role in maintaining fairness. One such often-misunderstood rule is carrying, also known as palming. Though subtle in appearance, carrying can significantly affect gameplay and give an unfair advantage when not called.
Table of Contents
In this article, we’ll break down what carrying is, why it’s illegal, how to identify it, and what the official rules say—complete with visual cues and comparison tables to help clarify this crucial rule.
What Is Carrying in Basketball?
Carrying occurs when a player illegally holds or rests the basketball in one hand while dribbling, or turns the hand under the ball (palm facing up) and stops the ball’s motion before continuing to dribble. This is considered gaining an unfair advantage because it disrupts the continuous nature of dribbling.
Why Is Carrying Illegal?
Basketball is designed to be played with continuous dribbling, meaning the ball must remain in motion—either bouncing or passing. Carrying interrupts this flow and essentially allows a player to “hold” the ball and move, which resembles traveling or gives an unfair boost in ball control.
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Prevents unfair advantage | Gives ball-handler more control or deception |
| Maintains game rhythm | Ensures the ball is dribbled, not carried like in football |
| Enforces dribbling rules | Promotes fair handling techniques and skill-based gameplay |
Official Definition by Basketball Organizations
NBA Rulebook (Section XIII – Dribble)
“A player shall not run with the ball without dribbling it. If a player momentarily allows the ball to come to rest in one or both hands while dribbling, it is a violation (commonly referred to as ‘carrying’).”
FIBA Rulebook
Common Signs of Carrying
Visual and Gameplay Cues
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Hand Under Ball | The dribbler’s hand comes underneath the ball’s horizontal plane |
| Pause in Ball Movement | The ball stops or hesitates momentarily before bouncing again |
| Sudden Direction Change | The ball-handler scoops the ball into a new direction unnaturally |
| Wrist Turn or Flip | The hand rotates too much during the dribble |
If you see the ball stop rotating while the player’s hand is under it, it’s likely a carry.
Carrying vs. Legal Dribbling
Sometimes, a quick crossover or hesitation can appear like a carry—but not every sharp move is illegal. Here’s a helpful comparison:
Carrying vs. Legal Dribbling
| Aspect | Legal Dribble | Carrying Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Position | On top or side of the ball | Underneath the ball |
| Ball Movement | Continuous bounce with rotation | Ball comes to rest or stops spinning |
| Duration of Touch | Brief, controlled tap | Prolonged hold or palming |
| Directional Change | Natural motion based on dribble technique | Unnatural scoop or “carry” with hand underneath |
Types of Carrying Violations
Carrying isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule—it can appear in multiple forms depending on the dribble move being attempted.
1. Hesitation Carry
2. Crossover Carry
- While crossing over, the hand slides under the ball and causes it to pause mid-air.
3. Spin Move Carry
- During a spin, the hand wraps under and lifts the ball before dribbling again.
4. In-and-Out Dribble Carry
- Player exaggerates an in-and-out move by palming the ball to fake a crossover.
Consequences of Carrying
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Carrying/Palming | Turnover — opposing team gets the ball |
| Repeated Offenses | May result in coaching intervention or substitution |
In professional leagues, carrying calls are rare unless they’re very obvious. In amateur or youth basketball, referees are more likely to enforce them to teach proper fundamentals.
Carrying in Youth Basketball
In youth games, many players unknowingly carry the ball due to underdeveloped coordination or mimicry of flashy moves seen in professional games. Coaches and referees play a big role in teaching correct technique early on.
How to Correct Carrying in Young Players
| Issue | Correction Technique |
|---|---|
| Hand goes under ball | Practice with cones, emphasize top/side hand control |
| Ball pauses mid-dribble | Drill continuous motion with tennis balls or smaller balls |
| Poor grip technique | Teach finger spread and use of fingertips |
| Overuse of fancy moves | Focus on fundamental drills like zigzag dribbling |
Famous Carrying Examples in the NBA
Even in professional basketball, carrying often goes uncalled. Notable players like Allen Iverson, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving have executed hesitation dribbles that toe the line.
Tips to Avoid Carrying Violations
Keep These in Mind:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Keep hand on top/side | Avoid putting your palm under the ball |
| Maintain constant motion | The ball should bounce and rotate continuously |
| Use fingertips, not the palm | Controls the ball without resting it |
| Drill slow-motion hesitations | Build control without breaking dribble rules |
| Film yourself dribbling | Review technique to check for pauses or hand placement |
Carrying may seem like a minor infraction, but it’s essential to understand and avoid it—especially in competitive or developmental settings. Mastering legal dribbling not only helps you stay within the rules but also improves your control, fluidity, and overall performance.
Quick Recap Table
| Key Concept | Details |
|---|---|
| What is Carrying? | Illegally pausing or holding the ball during a dribble |
| Common Signs | Hand under ball, hesitation, unnatural movement |
| Result of Violation | Turnover (possession goes to opposing team) |
| How to Avoid It | Keep dribble continuous, hand on top/side of ball |
| Youth Focus | Teach proper hand placement and continuous dribble |
By understanding carrying and focusing on clean, skillful dribbling, players at all levels can enhance their game and avoid turnovers that could cost their team the win.
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