I would have to imagine that this rule harkens to a time long ago when defenses were more primitive and defending the throw-in was a huge deal. What say you, MTD, Sr.?
I rarely see defenses line up parallel to the line like this, and even if they did, I doubt any player would ever know that there's a rule that allows them to ask for a space. Same thing with respect to defensive match-ups when three or more opponents are beckoned into the game.
Count me in as one who has never observed either request made in a game (nine years in now).
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