The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The rulings given are based on NFHS rules. NCAA rulings may be different.
A-1, in the frontcourt near the division line, attempts to pass the ball to A-2. B-1 bats the ball into the air towards backcourt. A-3, in the backcourt, catches the ball before it hits the floor.
Handle the situation.
This is a legal play. Although the ball has frontcourt status while in the air since it was last touched by B-1 in frontcourt, the ball gets backcourt status when A-3 touches the ball. There is no simultaneous frontcourt and backcourt status. Therefore, A-3 was not the last to touch the ball while it had frontcourt status. B-1 was.
This is reflected in rule 4-4-4 which states that a ball touching a player is the same as the ball touching the floor at that spot. A few years back this was clarified by the NFHS Rules Committee adding the exception note under 9-9-1.
(References: Rule 4-4-4, 9-9-1 Exception)
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A new 10 second count should begin as well.
Very Good Play. Correct and a new Ten Second count should start. Thanks!