Expert: Bret Temple - 11/2/2010

Question
Hi

I have been looking around for more information on the three seconds rule. I would appreciate if you could clarify a few things for me

1. If an offensive player in control of the ball goes inside the 3 seconds area, and attempts a shot (after say 2 seconds). While the ball is in the air, how does the 3 seconds rule apply to everyone ? ( Can the offensive player that made the shot wait around to try to get the rebound ?  What about the other offensive players. Can they enter to position themselves for the rebound ?. Can the defensive players position themselves for the rebound ?. ) What if one of the offensive players get the rebound. How does the rules apply then ?

Thank you very much for your answer :)

Answer
Peter,

This is a great question. First of all let me explain when the three second rule is in effect. The three second count is in effect only when a player with the ball reaches their front court. Keep in mind that any player on the offensive team can be called for three seconds, it's not just a player with the ball that's in the key. Any player with 1 or 2 feet in the key can be called. The three second count however is waived off the minute the player exits the key, and both feet must clear the key, or a shot is attempted. So for example:  Player A has the ball, and player B is posting up with his feet inside the key.  The referee counts 2 seconds and then player A shoots the ball. The three second count terminates and only begins again if Team A gaines control from the rebound, and then a new three second count begins. So in another scenario, Player A is posting up with the ball and is in the key for 2 seconds. Player A can shoot the ball, stay in the key, rebound the ball, stay in the key for another 2 seconds, and shoot the ball again. No violation has taken place. The same rule applies if other offensive players are in the key as well. The three second violation does not apply to the defense in any league except for the NBA where they have a defensive 3 second violation rule. So the defense can stay in the key as long as they wish. I hope this answers your question. Please let me know if you need further clarification and thank you for the question. You are the first person to ask about a 3 second violation.