Dribbling, travelling and time violations
FIBA · 2026Double dribbles, pivot feet, legal steps and the three-, five- and eight-second rules.
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Articles 22, 24–25 — Ball handlingArticle 25 — Feet and stepsArticles 26–28 and 30 — Time and court limitsArticles 22, 24–25 — Ball handling
Violations normally give the opponents a nearby throw-in. A dribble ends when both hands touch the ball together or it rests in a hand. A second dribble is prohibited unless control was lost through a shot, an opponent’s touch, or a pass or fumble touching another player. Carrying the ball and then continuing the dribble is illegal.
Article 25 — Feet and steps
A stationary player must release the ball before lifting the pivot foot to start a dribble. For a pass or shot, that foot may lift but neither foot may return before release. A moving player may take two steps after gaining control to stop, pass or shoot; starting a dribble after receiving the ball requires release before the second step. Falling and sliding with the ball is legal; rolling or standing up while holding it is not.
Articles 26–28 and 30 — Time and court limits
An attacker cannot stay in the opponents’ restricted area over 3 seconds during live frontcourt team control with the clock running; shooting and exit allowances apply. A closely guarded holder, with an active defender within 1 m, must act within 5 seconds. A team has 8 seconds to reach the frontcourt. After established frontcourt control, last touching there and first touching backcourt is normally a violation; a new airborne interception has an exception.
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