Different Types of Basketball Violations

Violations can be committed both by the offense and the defense. Here are those:

Violations committed by the offense:

Traveling or walk violation – is committed when the ball handler takes too many steps without dribbling the ball. This usually occurs after rebounding, after receiving the ball from the pass, and when making a move to drive towards the basket.

Backcourt violation or over-and-back – is committed when the player holding the ball crosses over the mid court line then returns at the back court. This also happens when the player from the front court passes the ball to his teammate in the backcourt.

Double dribble – is a violation involving the ball handler. This violation is committed when the player dribbles with both hands or if the player dribbles, holds the ball, and starts dribbling again.

Offensive foul – is committed when the ball handler attacks to the basket and deliberately hits the defending player with an established stance.

Offensive goal tending – is called when the player attempts to interfere with the ball while it is on the rim or on the way down to the basket. If this happens, the basket won’t count.

Five-second inbound violation – happens if the inbounder isn’t able to pass the ball to his teammate after 5 seconds.

Three-second violation – is called when the offensive player stays inside the paint for 3 seconds.

Ten-second backcourt violation – is committed if the offensive team isn’t able to cross the ball to the mid-court within 10 seconds.

Violations committed by the defense:

Foul – is called against the defensive player if he makes an illegal contact with the ball handler. A foul can also be called even if the player involved is away from the ball. A foul can be caused of blocking, holding, pushing, charging, and tripping.

Intentional foul – is an intentional foul used to stop the clock or to send the opposing player to the free throw line.

Goaltending – is a violation where the defending player interferes with the ball on its way down to the basket or while it is on the rim regardless if it is going to go in or not. The ball counts if goaltending is called.

Illegal defense – is also called 3-second defensive violation. It is used to keep the defensive team from using the zone defense.