Basketball Statistics Blog

Basketball Registering Stats Referred Questions:
The Closely Guarded Count Continue ?

"... When a dribbler is advancing toward the basket area, does the closely guarded count continue ? ..."

First of all, we'll read something about the rule 'Closely Guarded Player / 5 Second Violation':
"A player in control of the ball is closely guarded when an opponent is in a guarding stance within six feet. A closely guarded violation occurs if the closely guarded player, while in the frontcourt, holds or dribbles the ball for more than five seconds. The violation is a turnover to the defensive team."

Here are the differences between the leagues:
FIBA: Player holding the ball for 5 seconds, actively guarded within one metre, anywhere on the court.
NCAA: front court only, holding or dribbling the ball ( not a combination of both actions ) for 5 seconds, within 6'/2 m ( Women: 3' ).
CIS: Player holding the ball for 5 seconds, actively guarded within one metre, front court only.
NBA: No closely guarded rule; Illegal to dribble with your back to the basket for 5 consecutive seconds while you are between the baseline and the free throw line extended.
WNBA: No rule.

Photograph: Ronnie Miller/The Tribune

When a dribbler is advancing toward the basket area and the closely guarded rule is in effect, the count continues. The rule is in place anywhere in the front court.

See in our forum the 'closely guarded rule' topics and the exposition "Basketball Statistical Analysis" at eBA ONLINE.

All the terms in this answer are explained widely at The Global Basketball Encyclopedia and in eBA ONLINE.

This topic is resumed in the eBA Basketball Statistics Analysis System
at the eBA Encyclopedia > eBA System

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