A1 is closely guarded by B1. B1 gets both hands on the ball long enough to be holding it but not long enough or firmly enough to call a held ball. When that happens, should the the closely guarded count be terminated? I understand that common sense comes into play, especially if the holding of the ball is very brief. It seems that sometimes B1 could be considered to have control of the ball, and therefore could not be guarding. I see the scenario happen occasionally. Usually it occurs during games where the skill level of skill is lower and there are a lot of held balls. I see is rarely or never in games with higher skill level.

Rick, if the defender gets his hand(s) on the ball but not enough to force a held ball, then the offensive player is still maintaining sole player control. The 5-second closely guarded count will then continue as long as the defender had also still maintained a LGP.