[BillyMac]

3. THREE-SECONDS. When a team is in control of the ball in its frontcourt, a
player of that team may not remain in the lane for three seconds. The lane is
bounded by the end line and the farther edge of the free-throw line – and includes
the lane lines.
A. Team control. In order to understand the administration of the rule, it is
necessary to know when team control exists. Team control exists: during
player control, holding and dribbling inbounds; during a pass between
teammates; during an interrupted dribble. Team control continues until:
the ball is in flight during a try for goal; an opponent secures control; the
ball becomes dead. Team control does not exist during the tapping of a
rebound or when the ball is loose following a try. There is no team control
during a throw-in. The three-second restriction is not in effect when there
Page 67 2009-10 NFHS Basketball Rules
is no team control, and is terminated the instant team control ends.
B. Exception. Allowance is made and the count is momentarily stopped
when a restricted player has the ball and dribbles or makes a move to try
for goal. However, the previous count is resumed if the player does not
continue and try for goal. Some may feel that exception complicates the
rule, but it is necessary in order to balance the offense and defense. The
most obvious misinterpretation of this rule is when the restricted player
has a two-second count when he or she begins the move to try for goal,
but is stopped or the ball is batted loose. The player involved, while in the
lane, attempts to regain possession and instead of continuing the count,
the official erroneously stops it entirely. If the player starts a move to the
basket and the ball is jarred loose, the previous count is resumed and
results in a violation if it reaches three seconds. The purpose of the rule is
circumvented if a violation is not called when this occurs.
C. Screener. Another situation that is occurring more frequently, and which
is often not properly called, is when an offensive player sets a screen in
the lane and remains there for more than three seconds. The responsible
official must make sure that offensive players are not occupying restricted
positions for more than the permitted time. The offensive player gains an
unwarranted advantage if he or she can “camp out” in the lane, either as
a potential shooter or as a screener.
D. Rough post play. When the three-second rule is properly enforced, rough
post play is likely reduced. Post defenders cannot be expected to defend
and deny an opponent in the lane indefinitely. When an offensive post
player “camps out” in the lane, defenders tend to get frustrated and
become more physical. Calling this infraction when it occurs goes a long
way to decreasing rough post play – an area that has been emphasized for
many years.