I'm looking for advise after hearing many coaches say: "the five second is suspended on the drive to the basket"

I do not believe the NFHS rule book indicates this is the case. If you are dribbling or holding the ball, the 5 second count continues. Unless you begin the act of shooting, the count would continue.

If a defender maintains a legal guarding position on an offensive player who is driving (dribbling) to the basket, once 5 seconds has elapsed, a violation has occurred.

Is this a correct assumption??????? If it is, why do so many people talk about the suspended 5 second count one a player "drives" to the basket? Was it a rule at one time?

tschriver,
Some of the vets here can clear that up for you, I am sure.
In the old days when I played the ball had to be "advanced" every so often. Maybe the "myth" has something to do with ssome old rules of "once the ball is advanced".
For me, if the defender stays on a line between the basket and the ball handler, my count will continue. But let the dribbler get an 1/8-1/4 step ahead of the defender, and I'm only looking for contact.
mick

If the guard is still in a legal guarded position, then the count continues. But if the dribbler goes by the guard on his drive to the basket, then the guard no longer has position and the count ceases. To be in a guarded position, the guard must be in the path of the dribbler. A guard who is chasing a dribbler from behind is no longer in a guarded position.

Advice
 

Here's my sincere advice. NEVER listen to a coach who thinks he is talking about the rules. The overwhelming majority of coaches I've ever worked with simply don't know the rules. All they can do is distract you. If a coach is asking for a legitimate explanation, and you can give it, then go ahead and give it.

Learn the rules cold and don't let a coach get you second-guessing yourself. Have a great season.

Chuck

Re: Advice
 

I agree with Chuck and would add one thing, if the dribbler has his head and shoulders past the defender on the drive then suspend the count.