ScoutIQ / Glossary / Basketball / Violations
Violations aren't fouls. They break a rule about how the ball or players move, and the usual penalty is losing the ball. Exact rules vary a little by level.
Also Called Travel, Walk
Moving your feet illegally while holding the ball, such as taking too many steps without dribbling or moving your pivot foot. The other team gets the ball.
Coaching Tip Pick your pivot foot as soon as you catch it, and keep it planted until you pass, shoot or start a dribble.
Related Euro Step · Double Dribble
Dribbling with both hands at the same time, or starting a new dribble after you've already stopped. The other team gets the ball.
Related Traveling
When the offense doesn't get a shot to hit the rim before the shot clock runs out, the other team gets the ball. Shot clock length depends on the level, and some high school leagues don't use one.
Related 5-Second Closely Guarded
Also Called Three-Second Violation, Three in the Lane
An offensive player can't stay in the painted lane for more than three seconds in a row while their team has the ball in its frontcourt. Some levels have a defensive three-second rule too.
Also Called Five Seconds, Closely Guarded
A player who is closely guarded can't hold the ball for five seconds without passing, shooting or dribbling. It's common in high school, but not every level uses it.
Related Shot Clock Violation · Isolation
Also Called Over and Back, Backcourt
Once the offense has the ball in the frontcourt, it can't send it back across half court and be the first to touch it there. Many levels also require the ball to cross half court within a set time.
Related Full-Court Press
Also Called Basket Interference
Touching a shot on its way down toward the basket or while it's over the rim. If the defense does it, the shot counts; if the offense does it, the basket doesn't count.
Related Tip-In