When is a violation called for traveling in basketball?

The correct answer is when a player takes more than two steps without dribbling. In basketball, traveling is defined as the act of moving with the ball without properly dribbling it. The rule stipulates that a player must dribble the ball to move while holding it. If a player takes two steps or more without dribbling, they are in violation of this rule, thus constituting traveling. This is crucial to maintaining fair play and ensuring that players cannot gain an unfair advantage by moving freely around the court while holding the ball.

The other scenarios do not meet the criteria for traveling. Dribbling while running is an essential skill in basketball and is not considered a violation. Standing still with the ball is allowed, as players can hold the ball without movement, provided they maintain their pivot foot if they are not otherwise traveling. Stepping out of bounds pertains to another rule that involves the boundaries of the court and is unrelated to the traveling violation. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify when a traveling violation occurs and supports adherence to the game's laws.