What is a Carry in Basketball?

What is a Carry in Basketball?

A carry in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with their hand too far to the side of the ball or carries it with their palm. This infraction is called a double dribble when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time.

A carry is a common mistake made by players, particularly when they are trying to move quickly with the ball or are under pressure from opponents.

Understanding the rules surrounding carries is important for players, coaches, and officials to ensure that the game is played fairly and safely.

In this article, we will explore the definition and consequences of a carry in basketball, as well as strategies for avoiding this violation.

Carry in Basketball Explained in Detail:

Carry in Basketball Explained in Detail

Basketball is a popular sport played by millions of people around the world. It involves two teams of five players each, who try to score points by throwing a ball through a hoop called a basket. 

In an attempt to make a basket, many fouls are committed, including the CARRY. A carry, also known as a palming violation, occurs during a game when a player holds the ball in their hand for an extended period without dribbling it.

This rule is in place to prevent players from simply holding onto the ball and stalling the game, as it allows the opposing team to set up their defence and makes it more difficult for the offence to score.

To legally move with the ball in basketball, a player must continuously bounce it on the floor while they are moving, a process known as dribbling.

The ball must be bounced on the floor at least once every two steps the player takes, and it must not come to rest in the player’s hand for an extended period.

If a player is seen to be holding the ball in their hand and not dribbling it, they will be called for a carry and will turn the ball over to the opposing team.

Is a High Dribble a Carry?

Is a High Dribble a Carry

A high dribble is not necessarily a carry in basketball. High dribble refers to the height at which a player dribbles the ball, while a carry refers to the way in which a player handles the ball while dribbling.

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In basketball, players are allowed to dribble the ball at any height as long as they do not violate the rules of carrying the ball.

Players may choose to dribble the ball high to protect it from being stolen or to create space between themselves and their opponents.

However, if a player dribbles the ball with their hand too far to the side of the ball or carries it with their palm, it is considered a carry and is a violation.

How Long Is a Carry in Basketball?

How Long Is a Carry in Basketball

While there is no specific time limit for how long a player can hold the ball before being called for a carry, it is generally expected that players will keep the game moving by dribbling and passing the ball, rather than holding onto it for an extended period.

Even though there is no time limit for when a player can hold on to a ball, there are time limits in which exceeding can be ruled out as a foul.

24-second rule:

During play, if a team gains possession of the ball, they have 24 seconds to shoot, and if they fail to do so, ball possession will have to be handed to the other team.

8-second rule:

This rule occurs when a player has the ball in their backcourt, they have 8 seconds to move the ball over the halfway line into the ‘frontcourt’. Otherwise, they will lose possession.

5-second rule:

A closely guarded player holding the ball has 5 seconds to either pass or advance the ball toward the hoop. When called, possession of the ball goes to the opposite team.

3-second rule:

A player can only be in the opposition’s rectangular ‘key’ area under the basket for 3 seconds. A foul will be called if the player does not leave within those 3 seconds.

Why Is Carrying Illegal in Basketball?

Why Is Carrying Illegal in Basketball

Carrying is illegal in basketball because it goes against the rules for handling the ball while dribbling. This violation is a common mistake players make, particularly when they are trying to move quickly with the ball or under pressure from opponents.

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What’s more?… Carrying the ball is illegal because it can give the player an unfair advantage by allowing them to control the ball in a way that is not consistent with the rules of the game.

In basketball, the offence has an advantage when they can move the ball up the court and set up their offence, while the defense has an advantage when they can set up and anticipate the offence’s movements.

If a player can simply hold on to the ball and not advance it up the court, it allows the defence to set up and make it more difficult for the offence to score.

Additionally, carrying the ball can disrupt the game’s flow and make it less enjoyable for players and spectators.

For these reasons, the carry rule is in place to prevent players from holding the ball in their hand for an extended period without dribbling it.

What Is the Difference Between Carrying and Traveling in Basketball?

Carrying and travelling are two different violations that can occur in basketball. While both involve the player moving with the ball, they are distinct infractions with different consequences.

Carrying is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with their hand too far to the side of the ball or carries it with their palm. 

On the other hand, traveling is a violation that occurs when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the ball or without being in the process of shooting.

In basketball, a player is allowed to take two steps without dribbling the ball but must then either pass, shoot, or dribble the ball in order to take any additional steps.

If a player takes more than two steps without dribbling the ball, they will be called for travelling and will turn the ball over to the opposing team.

While both carrying and travelling involve the movement of the ball and the player’s feet, they are distinct violations that are called for different infractions.

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Players need to understand and adhere to the rules of dribbling and travelling in order to avoid committing these violations and giving up possession of the ball.

What Is the Difference Between Carrying and a Double Dribble?

Difference Between Carrying and a Double Dribble

Carrying and a double dribble are similar violations in basketball, but they are distinct infractions with different consequences.

As earlier explained, carrying is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with their hand too far to the side of the ball or carries it with their palm. 

While a double dribble is a specific type of carry that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time. This is a more severe violation than a regular carry, as it involves a player using both hands to control the ball while dribbling.

EndNote: What is a Carry in Basketball?

In conclusion, a carry in basketball is a violation that occurs when a player dribbles the ball with their hand too far to the side of the ball or carries it with their palm.

This infraction is called a double dribble when a player dribbles the ball with both hands at the same time. Carrying is a common mistake made by players, particularly when they are trying to move quickly with the ball.

Players, coaches, and officials need to understand the rules surrounding carries to ensure that the game is played fairly. By learning the proper way to dribble and handle the ball, players can avoid committing carries and other violations.

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