Bride of the Son of Under (the Sequel)

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by Hawks Coach
I agree with your call Indy in this situation, because, as MDex points out, a push is a whole different ball game. For Mdenucci (and any others who want to help me with this), I would ask your opinion on this situation, because these guarding provisions have frankly confused me from the moment I tried to apply them to game situations.

A has ball and is driving toward hoop. Just before A goes up for shot, B steps into path of A and sets feet firmly on floor until A crashes into B a brief moment later. B has back to A the whole time. I have always thought that this is PC on A, but the establishment of initial legal guarding position has not occurred. It seems to me that A still ran into B, PC foul. But then why the discussion of initial legal guarding position and torso facing A in 4.7.2a and 4.23.2b? Is there anyone who can explain this in terms that a coach can understand?!

If it wasn't a legal guarding position, then it was (by the rules) a screening attempt (an attempt to prevent an opponent from reaching a desired position -- it applies to both offenseive and defensive players).

Notice that the direction the screener is facing is irrelevant. Also notice that time and distance are relevant (since A was moving), even though A has the ball. Since B did not give A time to avoid contact, and was within two strides of A, this is a blocking foul (assuming it's not a no-call) on B.