Rules regarding Stopping and Traveling

The following is taken from the National Federation of State High Schools web-site in regard to stopping and traveling rule.

The traveling rule has not changed. What has changed is the common use of the jump stop as an offensive move. Officials and coaches are having difficulty determining the difference between a legal and illegal move. The key to making this determination properly is first finding the pivot foot. Then, if the player moves a foot or the feet in any direction in excess of prescribed limits while holding the ball, a traveling violation has occurred. The limits follow:

1. A player who catches the ball with both feet on the floor may pivot, using either foot. When one foot is lifted, the other is the pivot foot.

2. A player who catches the ball while moving or dribbling may stop and establish a pivot foot as follows:
a. If both feet are off the floor and the player lands;
(1) Simultaneously on both feet, either foot may be the pivot.

(2) On one foot followed by the other, the first foot to touch is the pivot.

(3) On one foot, the player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.
b. If one foot is on the floor;
(1) It is the pivot when the other foot touches in a step.

(2) The player may jump off that foot and simultaneously land on both. Neither foot can be a pivot in this case.

3. After coming to a stop and establishing a pivot foot:
a. The pivot foot may be lifted, but not returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. If the player jumps, neither foot may be returned to the floor before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

c. The pivot foot may not be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble.

4. After coming to a stop when neither foot can be a pivot:

a. One or both feet may be lifted, but may not be returned to the floor, before the ball is released on a pass or try for goal;

b. Neither foot may be lifted, before the ball is released, to start a dribble."

Rules: As short as they can be.

• Basketball is a fast, non-contact sport, usually played indoors on a court
• There are five players from each team on the court at any one time, with up to five substitutes sitting on the side line.
• The game begins with the ball being thrown up by the referee. Two players, standing in the center circle, jump for it and try to tap it to one of their team mates.
• Players pass the ball to one another, or run with the ball while bouncing it on the ground.
  The aim of the game is to throw the ball through the hoop.
• Two points are awarded for each successful throw, except for throws from outside the three point line (3 points), or for penalty free throws (one point).
• No holding, tripping, hitting or pushing is allowed. Referees control the game. If a player commits more than five fouls, they are sent off the court for the remainder of the game.
• The ball is round with a circumference of 75-78 cm, and weighs 600-650 grams.

This is almost all that you need to know.