Closely Guarded Dilemma

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by ILMalti

Ok then let me ask

how does "guarding' start?

By placing the body in the path of an offensive opponent....nothing more.

Originally Posted by ILMalti

Is there a difference between "legally guarding" and guarding.

Yes. LGP has additional requirements....facing and two feet down initially.
LGP has restrictions on what movements are permitted and offers protection against being guilty of a foul when the defender is moving within the parameters of LGP. Guarding doesn't have any restrictions but offers no protection either.

Originally Posted by ILMalti

One is defined by rules as to how it is established the other is not?

Both are defined. The first article defined guarding. The next two defined LGP.

Originally Posted by ILMalti

Since there is only a count on "close legal guarding" then i stand with my originial post.

and I do not believe i am playng with words

The count is not restricted to "close legal guarding"....just "closely guarded". LGP is not required for a count...although it may often be present.

Legal Guarding and Closely Guarding are both subsets of guarding. They partially overlap but do not completely overlap.

EDIT:

Image B1 who takes a position between A1 (dribbler) and the basket (guarding). However, B1 never faces A1 (no LGP). A1 is furiously attempting to drive to the basket but B1 constantly moves to cut off A1's path while never facing A1. There is never any contact so LGP is not relevant. However, B1 continuously maintains a position that is 2'-4' from A1.

B1 has satisfied the requirements for a count. However, B1 has not satisfied the requirements for LGP and is not protected from being guilty of a foul if B1 is moving at the time of contact...even if B1 is moving laterally.