Verticality

[rockyroad]

Can someone explain to me why the concept of verticality is so hard for some people to grasp? I really don't get it. It's been around for what? 20 years or so?

Watching a friend's son play last night (HS Varsity, medium size schools out here). Drive to the basket from C's area, weak side defender comes over and jumps straight up in the air, arms straight up. Offensive player is jumping forward, and uses his left forearm in the face of the defender to push the defender away. Whistle, and blocking foul called and reported to table.

I was sitting about 4 rows behind the table, so heard the Coach ask "Why was it a block?" and the official's answer was "He jumped, Coach. If he wants the charge he needs to have both feet set."

Yikes!!