Which Side of the Lane Line?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Adam

I just don't see a problem with moving. The mechanic of standing in the throwin location isn't designed to solidify the location.

How many times does an assistant coach poke his head out of the huddle and ask, "Where's the throwin?", and we simply point to the official standing at the location with the ball? They wouldn't ask if it didn't make any difference to them as they set up their press, or their press break. (I coached middle school basketball for over twenty-five years so the location does make a difference to a coach, some players follow directions very literally) Changing the location of the throwin a few seconds before the end of the timeout could (possibly) create a disadvantage for the defensive team, and an advantage for the offensive team, advantages and disadvantages not intended by the rules.

Defensive Coach: "Hey Mr. Adam. We set up our press for the other side of the lane. Why did you change the spot from where your partner was standing with the ball, especially after my assistant coach asked about the location? Now I've got to burn another timeout to set up my press on the other side. Timeout please?" (This is the G-rated version that doesn't end with a few choice words and a technical foul).

And then, to make matters worse, at the very end of the second timeout the offensive coach requests to switch the side of the throwin a second time.

This is exactly why it would be nice to get some guidance from the NFHS regarding this matter.