2009-10 POEs explained

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

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D. A player may never take two steps while in possession of the ball."

I have to disagree. A player who collects the ball while airborne, having both feet off the floor, can establish possession in the air and then land on one foot followed by the other. This is frequently seen with players driving to the basket. The player who is dribbling will jump into the air, end the dribble by grabbing the ball with both hands, and then take two steps by landing right, left or left, right and jump off that final foot to try for goal.

The NFHS really messed up by publishing such a definitive and incorrect statement.

In the first place, I heartily agree with Bob. I think what you describe above is a landing followed by one step, as opposed to two steps. In the second place, I think it is a rare thing when the above actually happens, but it is very difficult to pinpoint when the dribble ends so the player is often given the benefit of the doubt. Finally, and most importantly, I think the potential benefit of the above statement in red is tremendous, if those without knowledge of the actual rule would read it, which is unlikely. While one may argue that the statement:
"He gets/doesn't get two steps" is oversimplified, I think we all would agree that the masses, including many officials, think that the ball handler should be allowed the two (or more) steps, far too often.