Carrying

From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids

Carrying, also colloquially referred to as palming, is a violation in the game of basketball. It occurs when the dribbling player holds the ball with two hands at once or rotates the ball in his or her hand between dribbles. Carrying is similar to a double dribble because the player momentarily stops dribbling and then resumes dribbling. If the player is in motion while carrying the ball, it is similar to traveling. Players can avoid a carrying violation by keeping their palms facing the floor while dribbling. Most basketball players usually dribble with their palms starting at the top of the ball, at the start of the bounce, then slide their hand to the right or left of the ball (depending on which hand the ball is being dribbled with). Dribbling this way allows more control and easier ball-handling.