Traveling question

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

This is what he's saying:

If you catch the ball with your right foot on the floor (1 step), step with you left foot (2 steps), lift your right foot (half step) and release the ball, you have 2 1/2 steps.

While my description above is legal, there are other instances where it would not be legal. For example, if both feet on on the floor and you step once with each foot (2 steps), that's traveling.

Can you help me figure out how you count a [first] step with the right when it's already on the floor when the ball is gathered? I've always considered the first step to be the step with the left.

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Can you help me figure out how you count a [first] step with the right when it's already on the floor when the ball is gathered? I've always considered the first step to be the step with the left.

It makes no difference, you can describe it either way (and it's still a lousy cliche'). Catches the ball with both feet off the floor, right, left, lifts the right, layup. Or the pivot already on the floor. Either is legal.

Had you continued with your description, 2 1/2 steps would not have been legal.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Can you help me figure out how you count a [first] step with the right when it's already on the floor when the ball is gathered? I've always considered the first step to be the step with the left.

If you want to not count the foot on the floor, the same though process would work but they'd only get 1 1/2...2 would be a travel.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

If you want to not count the foot on the floor, the same though process would work but they'd only get 1 1/2...2 would be a travel.

Yes, I'm aware. It was just odd to me to hear it explained that way. Around these parts, it's explained the 1.5 way.

[Loudwhistle2]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

Can you help me figure out how you count a [first] step with the right when it's already on the floor when the ball is gathered? I've always considered the first step to be the step with the left.

Thank you! I was confused too, but didn't have the balls to ask!

[just another ref]

Step is not defined, and apparently means different things to different people. But we don't have to know what a step is as long as we know what a pivot foot is.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by just another ref

But we don't have to know what a step is as long as we know what a pivot foot is.

Agree. Identifying the pivot foot, and knowing it's limits, that's the key to correctly calling a travel violation.

[PaulH]

The age group was a freshman game, and thanks to everyone for clearing it up for me. I had always just been told a hard and fast 2 steps rule so hearing 2 and a half really confused me.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by just another ref

Step is not defined, and apparently means different things to different people. But we don't have to know what a step is as long as we know what a pivot foot is.

Absolutely. And what is a half step anyway?

Peace

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Absolutely. And what is a half step anyway?

+1

Even the "HE GETS TWO STEPS!!!" people might have trouble with that one.

[Mregor]

Much simpler to define traveling with the limits of the pivot foot. According to the coach during my Thrusday game, I'm the worst official for traveling in the country. He too kept bringing up 2 steps and that's how it was taught when I was playing. However, much easier defined regarding pivot foot. If both feet are off the floor, the firt to touch becomes pivot. If one foot is on the floor when ball is caught, it is the pivot. Pivot can be lifted but not returned to floor before ball is released (not discussing jump stop here).

[BktBallRef]

Originally Posted by Mregor

Much simpler to define traveling with the limits of the pivot foot. According to the coach during my Thrusday game, I'm the worst official for traveling in the country. He too kept bringing up 2 steps and that's how it was taught when I was playing. However, much easier defined regarding pivot foot. If both feet are off the floor, the firt to touch becomes pivot. If one foot is on the floor when ball is caught, it is the pivot. Pivot can be lifted but not returned to floor before ball is released....

...before a pass or shot. Not so on a dribble.