One thread leads to another

[rainmaker]

The thread about the person guarding closely through out the game, even during stoppages got me thinking about the "rules for guarding" that might apply during stoppages. If Team A wanted to, could they line up across the floor as soon as the whistle blew and prevent Team B from getting to te other end by just stepping in front of them so that they couldn't get through?

More practically speaking, before the ball is live on a throw-in, I see some jockeying for position. What are the rules for that kind of thing? No contact, obviously, but otherwise, anyone is entitled to any spot on the floor as long as they're there first legally? So two players could set a screen, and just block someone into a corner or something, as long as there's no contact?

I know this sounds sort of hostile, or sarcastic, but I"m not. Just kinda asking about something that I guess I've never really understood.