[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BryanV21

By "lateral" movement we're not talking about the defender's right to move sideways. What that means is the defender has to move in the same direction (forwards/backwards/right/left) as the dribbler. I can't remember the exact wording in the rule book, but it may also mention speed as well.

Yes, that's what "lateral" means.

No, it doesn't mean what you say (especially "forward")

Speed / distance are not a consideration when guarding a player with the ball ("airborne" is a factor).