A violation is an offense to the rules. The team that committed an offense is penalized by awarding the ball to the opposing team. Below is the list of the most common violations committed in the game of basketball.

1. Ball out of bounds

As a general rule, the ball is out of bounds when it touches the player or anyone who is out of bounds; the floor or any object on, above or outside the boundary line; and the board or any object on the field of play.

2. Dribble

Dribbling is a movement of a live ball caused by a player in control of the ball who throws or taps the ball on the ground. During dribbling, the ball may be thrown into the air as long as the ball touches the ground or another player before the player who threw it touches his hand again. If you touch it first, then it is a violation. The ball will be handed over to the opposing team.

3. Travel

Traveling is said to be an illegal movement of one foot beyond the bounds in any direction while holding the ball on the field of play. It occurs when a pivot foot, the foot that is held at its point of contact with the ground, accidentally takes unnecessary steps.

4. Three seconds

A player must not remain in the opponents’ restricted area for more than three seconds while his team is in offensive possession. This is the common violation of most centers and forwards. To avoid this, a player must place both feet on the ground outside the restricted area.

5. Twenty-four seconds

A player must shoot a field goal within twenty-four (24) seconds. Not only must the ball leave a player’s hand before the 24-shot clock signal sounds, but it must also touch the ring or enter the basket. Otherwise, it will be considered a violation of the twenty-four (24) second shot clock and the ball will be automatically delivered to the opponent.

6. Ball returned to the backcourt

As a general rule, a player in offensive possession of a live ball may not have the ball illegally returned to his backcourt.

7. Fouls

Foul is the most common infraction in the game of basketball. It involves illegal personal contact with an opponent or unsportsmanlike behavior. It is often called a personal foul or technical foul. Any number of fouls against a team can be called. Regardless of the penalty, each foul will be charged to the offender and penalized accordingly.

The simple infringement of the rules can change the momentum of the team and therefore the outcome of the game. To maximize your team’s winning potential, try to familiarize yourself with these common violations and avoid committing them.