How many steps can you take in basketball?
B · Beginner · Violations · 5 of 9Travelling is moving the feet illegally while holding the ball. A player who catches the ball on the move, or finishes a dribble, may take two steps to stop, pass or shoot. A player standing still may turn on one pivot foot as often as they like, but that foot must stay down until the ball is released for a dribble.
How it works
Standing with the ball:
- Once one foot is lifted, the other becomes the pivot foot.
- To dribble, the ball must leave the hand before the pivot foot lifts.
- To pass or shoot, the player may jump off the pivot foot but must release the ball before a foot comes back down.
Catching the ball while moving, or ending a dribble:
- Two steps are allowed to stop, pass or shoot.
- The first step is when a foot, or both feet, touch the floor after the player gains control of the ball.
- To start a dribble after receiving the ball on the move, the ball must be released before the second step.
- A player may not touch the floor twice in a row with the same foot, or with both feet, after ending the dribble.
On the floor:
- A player may fall and slide while holding the ball, or gain control while lying or sitting.
- Rolling or trying to stand up while holding the ball is travelling.
Tricky cases
Is the "gather step" legal?
Yes, in effect. The first step counts only after the player has gained control of the ball, so the foot on the floor as the ball is gathered is not step one.
A player dived on a loose ball and slid. Is that travelling?
No. Falling and sliding with the ball is legal. Rolling over or standing up with it is not.
Can a player lift the pivot foot?
Yes, to pass or shoot, if the ball is released before that foot returns to the floor. Not to start a dribble.
Why the rule exists
Without it a player could run with the ball. The two steps allow a natural stop or lay-up at speed.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A25 |
| NBA and NCAA | Their own wording of the travelling rule | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Article 25, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).