Starting the NFHS closely guarded count

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by HoopsRefJunior

... I guess I'm still not understanding 100%.

By definition, if the defender is placing his body in the path of a dribbling ball handler, that's guarding, if within six feet, that's closely guarding (by definition, but see below regarding a ninety degree angle).

So, by definition, it really doesn't matter where the basket is, it's where the dribbling ball handler is going.

That said, I'm starting a five second count when the defender is within six feet and is defending the dribbling ball handler at a ninety degree angle, as in the dribbling ball handler moving east/west (across the basketline) and is crossing (not heading toward) the defender.

HoopsRefJunior brings up some great questions.

What if the ball handler is holding the ball? There is no path for the ball handler because he's stationary. So maybe in that case, and maybe only in this case, he can be guarded, and closely guarded, from behind?

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

HoopsRefJunior brings up some great questions.

Maybe this is a case of:

"I know it when I see it" is a colloquial expression by which a speaker attempts to categorize an observable fact or event, although the category is subjective or lacks clearly defined parameters. The phrase was used in 1964 by United States Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart to describe his threshold test for obscenity.

[rbruno]

is the hangup between guarding someone (within 6 ft at any angle) and LGP which is in front of the offensive player less than 6 ft away? If you think about it when a player is trapped along the sideline or division line you would start your 5 sec count no matter where the defender(s) are ... in front, along side, even behind

[Danvrapp]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Maybe this is a case of:

"I know it when I see it"

Thanks for helping us all to "see it!"