What Is a Carry in Basketball? A Comprehensive Guide

Ever watched a basketball game and heard the ref blow the whistle, but weren't quite sure what happened? One call that can be confusing is a 'carry.' So, what is a carry in basketball? It's a rule that can change the game, and we will help explain it.

The carry, also called 'palming,' is when a basketball player dribbling the ball puts their hand underneath it. This is like holding or carrying the ball instead of dribbling it. It may seem small, but this rule has always been important in basketball.

• Understanding the Basics: What is a Carry in Basketball?
• The History Behind the Carry Rule
• How to Spot a Carry in Basketball
• The Impact of Carrying on the Game
• Recent Changes in Carry Enforcement
• How to Avoid Carrying the Ball
• The Carry vs. Other Common Violations
• The Controversy Surrounding Carries in Professional Basketball
• Teaching Young Players About Carries
• FAQs about what is a carry in basketball
  • What counts as a carry in basketball?
  • What is the new carry rule in the NBA?
  • What is the difference between a travel and a carry?
• Conclusion 

A carry happens when a player's hand moves to the bottom half of the ball while they are dribbling. The official NBA rulebook states a player cannot put any part of their hand under the ball. They can't carry it or pause and then continue dribbling.

This keeps the dribble fair and consistent. When a player carries the ball, it gives them an unfair advantage. The offensive player can change direction more easily, which isn't possible with legal dribbling.

The carry rule has been around almost since basketball started. Dr. James Naismith, who invented basketball, included dribbling rules in his original 13 rules. The carry rule wasn't specifically named, but a clean dribble was key from the start.

Over time, players got better, and the game changed. the carry rule also saw changes. Early in the NBA, carrying calls were stricter. As the game got faster, NBA referees began to allow more, especially in professional leagues.

It can be hard to spot a carry, especially in fast games. Here are things to look for:

• The player's hand position: If the ball hand goes under the ball during a dribble, it's likely a carry violation.
• Unnatural ball moves: If the ball sticks to the player's hand or moves oddly, it might be a carry illegal action.
• Hesitation in the dribble: If a player pauses without bringing the ball below their waist, it could be called carrying.

What constitutes carry can change based on the level of play. The NBA is often more lenient on carrying violations than high school or college basketball games.

Different leagues, like youth leagues, may enforce this rule with some variation. The definition of what is a carry vs a travel might depend on what is written in each rulebook.

Understanding the carry is crucial because when the violation occurs, it impacts the game. When a player illegally carries the ball, they have an unfair advantage over their defender.

Also, consistent carrying can slow the game down. Basketball is meant to have continuous motion, with the ball bouncing. Calling carrying interrupts this flow, making the basketball game potentially less exciting.

Recently, there's been more focus on enforcing the carry rule, especially professionally. The Basketball Museum of Illinois says the NBA has been stricter about its rules than before.

This has caused some controversy. Players who were used to leniency now need to adjust to what is a carry violation called in basketball.

For basketball players wanting to improve and avoid violations, here are tips to players avoid carrying:

1. Practice dribbling technique: Keep your dribbling hand on top of the ball, using your fingertips.
2. Focus on quick, short dribbles: This reduces the chance of your hand slipping to become a carry violation.
3. Work on your non-dominant hand: Being able to dribble with both hands helps you to avoid carrying violations.
4. Study NBA players: See how skilled ball handlers maintain ball control without carrying.

It's important to know what a carry is and to know how it is different from other violations. Here's a comparison:

These might seem similar, but each is different. If the official calls a carry violation, then play stops, and the opposing team gets the ball.

If you dribble and carry the ball, this gives your team an advantage and leads to a violation. This helps to show why the carry rule is important.

In the NBA, how carries are enforced is debated. Some think star players get away with carries, while others say the fast game makes it hard to call every carry violation.

This shows why understanding carries is important for everyone. It adds another layer to the sport.

For coaches and parents, teaching young basketball players about good dribbling is key. Here's how:

• Use drills that focus on keeping the hand on top of the ball for legal ball control.
• Encourage players to dribble with their fingertips, not their palms. This ball rule will improve skills and limit carrying.
• Practice dribbling at different speeds.
• Make it fun with dribbling games, so players avoid making a habit of the violation.

Good habits early on will help young players. This gives them a strong start, limiting carrying violations called on them.

A carry is when a ball handler, while dribbling, lets their hand go under the ball. Then, if the player continues dribbling or pauses and starts again, it is a carry.

The NBA defines the no new carry rule. However, since 2022, they have enforced the existing rule more strictly to maintain a fair game.

The focus is on when a player's hand clearly goes under the ball, resulting in a carry.

Both are violations, but different. Traveling is when a ball player moves with the ball without dribbling or when a player takes too many steps without a ball pass, shooting, or dribbling. A carry happens during dribbling when the player carries by letting their hand go under the ball.

Travel is about movement rules, while a carry is about dribbling techniques. A carry involves the player dribbling with their hand illegally under the ball.

Knowing what is a carry is key for players, coaches, and fans. This rule keeps the game fair, making dribbling a skill that needs practice. The carry rule makes sure that the offensive team doesn't get an unfair advantage.

As basketball changes, talks about rules like the carry will continue. By understanding these basics, we can better appreciate the game. Whether playing or watching, knowing the carry rule helps us enjoy this exciting sport even more as a ball player gains experience.

The main thing to remember about carrying basketball is where the hand is placed. If you follow that simple rule, you can make sure to be an expert about the carry rule.