5 Second Count question
 

Do we suspend the 5 second count/closely guarded count when the player starts his/her drive to the basket? Lets say we have the count going out top and we get to 3 with the player dribbling in place. He then makes a move toward the rim with his defender right on his hip.

Do we suspend the count?

What is the criteria for stopping the count assuming the defender is still closely guarding the player with the ball?

Here's a hint:

http://www.thefreecenter.com/wp-cont...shoulders2.jpg

Head and shoulders by the defender ASFAIK.

The way I've always interpreted it is that if the ballhandler makes an obvious move towards the basket, then I stop counting. If he takes one step, or takes a slow step without really making an effort, then I keep counting.

If he gets his head and shoulders past the defender, the counts ends.

Dammit! Mark you're quick!

There is no "suspension" of a 5-second count, detention maybe.

Seriously though, if your count ends then you to have start all over again, you don't resume where you left off.

That's the kind of answer that both makes me laugh and one that will stick with me.

Thanks

A buddy of mine asked me if in college the rule counts if the person with the ball penetrates the 28 foot line.

??

This is incorrect. The defender can stay with the offensive player and mainting his guarding position. The count will continue. You can even have a 5 second violation on a drive to the hoop. The only way the count ends is if the offensive players gets head and shoulders PAST the defender or if the defender loses his legal guarding position or if he backs up more than 6 feet.

Is there an NFHS rule or interpretation that says this? I don't have a rulebook handy. The NCAA rulebook doesn't say anything about this.

You sound like my wife. :o

What you need to find is the rule or interp that says you suspend the count if they're driving to the basket. As long as all the requirements are being met by the defense, you continue your count.

I'm curious, where does it say that when the defender loses LGP the count stops?

More importantly, once LGP is gained, what can he possibly do to lose it?

He can contact the opponent from the side....:)