Stalling...

[chartrusepengui]

Once while coaching varsity G - we had a game where opponent knew the only way to stay in the game was to keep ball from us. They got the tip, came across the line and stood about 2 feet from line. Girl with ball was going against my injured (ankle) point guard. I told my kids not to pressure anything outside 3 pt line. So we stood.............. Parents yelling for action, kids frustrated etc. I kept telling them from bench to stay put. With 10 seconds to go in quarter, guard starts to move ball, goes to corner gets trapped and throws ball over shoulder off board into basket. 1st Qtr score 2-0 them. We started the 2nd quarter scoring within 10 seconds and I couldn't take it anymore. Full court man press until 20 point lead. Final score 57-5 - without starters in 2nd half.

[Freddy]

Response: "This is not the 1970-1980. This rule has nothing to do with stalling."

That's my point. Thank you!

[Texas Aggie]

I think they need to change the wording of the "actionless contest" rule. I agree it isn't relevant to a stall, but there's no need to use confusing words when others will do.

As far as the lack of action rule, it was deleted after either the '89-'90 season, or the next year, but I'm pretty sure it was the former. I used it exactly one time.

[MajorCord]

I remember years ago watching a high school game where the offense went into a stall. The point guard had dribbled then picked the ball up to hold it at his coach's instruction. Defense stayed back and didn't press the matter. The guard held it for what seemed like five minutes (probably closer to 2 - 3 minutes). Then he dribbled again . The official, on top of his game, whistled the violation. I couldn't believe the official had the presence of mind to remember that the kid had already used up his dribble. What a great call!