Palming in basketball refers to the violation of carrying the ball by using one or both hands to hold it in a position that is not consistent with normal dribbling. This violation is often referred to as “carrying the ball” or “carrying.” Palming is considered a violation because it gives the player an unfair advantage by allowing them to control the ball for a longer period of time, making it more difficult for defenders to steal the ball.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the concept of palming in basketball, its origins, and how it is enforced in the game. We will also examine the strategic and psychological aspects of palming and how it can affect a player’s performance and the outcome of a game. Furthermore, we will discuss some of the most notable examples of palming in the history of the game and the players who are known for their ability to palm the ball.
How to palm a Basketball better
Here are a few tips to help you improve your basketball palming technique:
- Start by holding the basketball in your dominant hand, with your fingers spread out and the ball resting on your fingertips.
- Slowly move your hand down the ball, using your fingers to guide it into the palm of your hand.
- Once the ball is in your palm, wrap your fingers around it and grip it tightly.
- Practice this technique regularly, both with a basketball and with a smaller ball such as a tennis ball.
- Once you’ve mastered the basic technique, try different types of passes and shots to improve your control of the ball.
- It’s also important to build hand and finger strength, which can be done through exercises such as grip strength training or using hand gripper.
- Lastly, watch videos of professional players and try to mimic their technique and form.
Hand size to palm a basketball

Hand size can be a factor in determining how easily someone can palm a basketball. Generally, larger hands may have an easier time palming a basketball, as there is more surface area for the hand to grip the ball. However, even if someone has smaller hands, they can still develop the ability to palm a basketball through practice and strengthening exercises.
It’s important to note that having larger hands is not a guarantee of being able to palm the ball, and having smaller hands does not mean it’s impossible. It’s more about the strength, dexterity and technique one can develop over time.
Having a good grip strength, finger strength and dexterity in the fingers can be developed through exercises such as using grip strength trainers, hand gripper and ball handling drills. Additionally, practicing palming the ball regularly with proper technique can also help to improve your ability to palm a basketball regardless of your hand size.
When did palming the basketball become legal
Palming the basketball, or carrying the ball in the hand, was not always considered a legal move in basketball. In the early days of the sport, players were not allowed to carry the ball at all, and had to pass it to a teammate or dribble it on the ground.
The rule allowing players to carry the ball was introduced in the late 1800s, but it was still considered a violation and resulted in a turnover if the ball was carried more than a few steps.
It was not until the early 1930s that the rule was changed to allow players to carry the ball for an unlimited number of steps, as long as they did not use their other hand to touch the ball or their body to hold it. This rule change allowed for the development of new offensive strategies, such as the fast break, and increased the speed and athleticism of the game.
So the rule that allows players to carry the basketball (palming) was introduced in the early 1930s. It was a big change in the game that allowed players to use new strategies and increased the speed and athleticism of the game.