pivot foot: drag vs lift

[Nevadaref]

Originally Posted by rsl

The definition of travel says

"The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the floor..."

When a dribbler stops too fast, it is often the case that he will drag the pivot
some distance without actually lifting it from the floor. I call this a travel.

It also happens that players lift the heel of the pivot foot and pivot on the toes. If they shift their body too much, it is easy in this case that they drag the pivot foot with the toes touching the floor. I usually call this a travel.

When, under pressure, a player spins back and forth rapidly on the pivot foot, the pivot foot usually moves slightly on the floor. I rarely call this a travel.

How much does the pivot foot have to move, without lifting, to be a travel?

Don't forget to consult the definition of PIVOT in 4-33.

"...the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor."

That is what makes dragging illegal. Now how tightly you wish to enforce that rule is up to you. Most people will penalize if the movement is illegal AND the player gains an unfair advantage from it.

[rsl]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

Don't forget to consult the definition of PIVOT in 4-33.

"...the pivot foot, is kept at its point of contact with the floor."

That is what makes dragging illegal. Now how tightly you wish to enforce that rule is up to you. Most people will penalize if the movement is illegal AND the player gains an unfair advantage from it.

Thanks. This is what I was looking for- I wasn't sure what made the drag illegal. I also like the comments from JRutledge that you don't want to be the only one in the gym that sees it and from Mregor that "You don't want traveling to be your best call."

This forum is great! As much as I would like to solve the worlds social problems, I enjoy it a lot more when we stick to basketball.