Expert: Bret Temple - 11/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a friend who says that after you establish a pivot foot that you can then take an additional step with the other foot (non-pivot)lifting your pivot foot off the floor to take a shot or pass.  I feel that you can only jump  off the pivot foot to shoot or pass but you can't take an additional step.

ANSWER: You are correct. Once your pivot foot is established you can no longer lift it off the ground without getting rid of the ball simultaneously. You can jump, yes, but you cannot take an additional step.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I wonder why there is so much confusion with this.  It seems half the people I talk to differ.  In my opinion, taking an extra step after establishing a pivot foot would make it almost impossible to guard anybody down low.  Could you please tell me your expertise.  Are you a Ref?

thanks

Bruce

Answer
HI Bruce,

yes I am an official. Remember, violation calls like traveling are not always obvious during the course of play. It's up to the evaluation of the official to make a split second decision. What some officials call traveling, others may not if it isn't obvious. Also, many violation calls are made or not made based on the premise of advantage/disadvantage. Meaning, if a player commits a violation, but there wasn't any obvious advantgage to the offensive team, the official may not make the make call. I hope that clears it up a little.