5-second closely guarded rule

[bigdogrunnin]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

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.

As long as there is at least one defender within 6' of the dribbler/ball handler.