The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
B1 obtained a closely guarded situation on dribbler A1. A1 moves forward but does not get head and shoulders past B1. A1 then retreats. B1 maintains his closely guarded situation throughout the actions of A1. At the end of five seconds, the official rules a violation.
The coach claims that a new five-second count should have started when A1 retreated. Was the coach correct?
The coach was NOT correct. The closely guarded definition does not differentiate between advancing players and retreating players. As long as the defender can stay within six feet of the dribbler without the dribbler getting head and shoulders past him, the closely guarded count should continue.
(References: Rule 4-10)
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