When Does a Jump Stop Become a Traveling Violation?

One of the most common phrases hollered out during a game by all participants and spectators is, "Travel ref!" A simple definition of a travel is the moving of a foot or feet in any direction in excess of the allowed limits while holding the basketball. To clearly explain a traveling violation, it's critical to understand the allowable limits of movement. As an official, we have to understand the definition of pivot and traveling.

Pivot is defined by NFHS rule 4-33: A pivot takes place when a player who is holding the ball 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.

A simple definition of traveling is moving of a foot or feet in any direction in excess of allowed limits while holding the basketball.

So when does traveling occur on a jump stop? A breakdown of the NFHS traveling rule (4-44) will explain:

• Rule 4-44-2...A player, who catches the ball while moving or dribbling, may stop, and establish a pivot foot as follows:
• If both feet are off the floor and the player lands:
• Simultaneously on both feet, either foot may be the pivot.
• On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.
• If one foot is on the floor:
• It is the pivot when the other foot touches in a step.
• The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.

I highlight the definition of pivot because it's important to note that a pivot is only established by stepping, and not by merely lifting the pivot foot. Once a player comes to a jump stop, it's important to note if the dribble stopped while the player was in the air or on the floor. A player that stops the dribble in the air and lands on both feet simultaneously, that player may establish a pivot foot. However, if the dribble ends with one foot still on the floor, then a traveling violation would occur if a player lifted a foot and returned the foot to the floor.

For great video review of rules I recommend going to the NBA Video Rulebook. Obviously, not all of the rules of the NBA are applicable to high school basketball rules, but the NBA Video Rulebook does offer some great video with explanations of what constitute fouls and violations.