[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mark Padgett

Quote:

Look at the theory behind the shot clock and the 5 second count. There's two reasons behind the shot clock; to encourage scoring (which is a basic principle of the game) and to reward good defense if the clock runs out. I don't believe the 5 second count really does either to anywhere the same degree.

Please understand I'm not trying to sound "smarter than thou", but I think that you may be operating from a false premise. And that premise (which you've never stated overtly) is that "the closely guarded rule is intended to promote scoring."

I think, rather, that the purpose of the closely guarded count is to encourage passing and team play, instead of tolerating 30 seconds of watching one kid dribble around until he gets a shot he likes.

Even the NBA has gone to a 5 second count for guys dribbling below the free throw line, haven't they? It's boring to watch one guy hold the ball forever. So the closely guarded rule is in place to make sure that one guy can't just hold onto the ball all day, unless the defense sits back and lets him.

Make sense?

Chuck