When does a team lose possession of the ball due to a violation?

A team loses possession of the ball due to a violation when a player commits an infraction such as traveling or double dribbling. These types of violations are considered rules that govern how the game is played. When a player, for instance, takes too many steps without dribbling (traveling) or dribbles the ball, stops, and then starts dribbling again (double dribble), the referee will call a violation. The possession is then awarded to the opposing team, which affects the flow and strategy of the game.

In contrast, turnovers typically refer to more specific situations where the team attempts to advance the ball but fails due to mistakes like passing the ball to an opponent. Committing a foul does not result in a loss of possession in the same way, as it often allows the opposing team to take free throws or inbounds the ball rather than automatically giving possession away. The shot clock running out leads to a violation, but it is a specific rule that falls under the broader category of violations, emphasizing that a variety of infractions can lead to a loss of possession.