Rule 7-6 Question

[LeeBallanfant]

Originally Posted by crosscountry55

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).

I believe this rule may have come in to play when there were non-standard courts. The basket could be very close to the end line and on a throw in under their own basket. a team could set up a play where a player would catch the ball surrounded by his teammates for an easy layup.