What is travelling in wheelchair basketball?
B · Beginner · Play · 3 of 3A player holding the ball may push the large wheels no more than twice before dribbling, passing or shooting; a third push is a violation. A dribble may start by pushing and bouncing together, or by one or two pushes with the ball on the lap, then a bounce. Braking without moving the hand is not a push.
How it works
- Two pushes: then dribble, pass or shoot.
- Third push: a violation.
- Ball on lap: allowed, not between the knees.
- Dribble: bounce, then pushes again.
- Repeat: as often as wanted.
- Pivot: counts as pushes.
- Braking: not a push.
- Backcourt: 8 seconds to cross.
The glossary has the three pushes, the dribble (wheelchair basketball), the frontcourt and backcourt (wheelchair basketball), the eight seconds and shot clock (wheelchair basketball), the closely guarded (wheelchair basketball) and the three seconds (wheelchair basketball).
Tricky cases
The ball is held between the knees during pushes. Legal?
No. It must be on the lap.
A player brakes with one hand holding the ball. A push?
No.
Can a player push, dribble and push again?
Yes.
Does a pivot count?
Yes, up to two pushes.
Why the rule exists
Two pushes match two steps in running basketball. The bounce keeps the ball live as players move.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Running basketball | Two steps | C |
| Wheelchair | Two pushes | 25 |
| Dribble | Repeatable | 24.1 |
From the rule book
IWBF, Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules 2024 (version 2, valid from 3 February 2025), articles 24 and 25. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: IWBF Official Wheelchair Basketball Rules 2024.