Officiating Resources

[DaQuickster]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

22) The closely guarded rule is in effect in frontcourt only, when a defender is within six feet of the ball handler. Up to three separate five-second counts may occur on the same ball handler, holding, dribbling, and holding. The count continues even if defenders switch. The five-second count ends when a dribbler gets his or her head and shoulders ahead of the defender.

Question: What does it mean when it states "Up to three separate five-second counts may occur on the same ball handler, holding, dribbling, and holding."?