| Subject | Date Asked |
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| Father coach 5 yr old son | 11/14/2009 |
Q: My husband is an assistant coach for my son's (5 yrs) basketball team. My son isn't the best player, ...
A: To be honest, at 5 years old, nobody should be getting angry at the kids. They should be out there ...
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| need help on rules | 11/6/2009 |
Q: I am a newbie in basketball . What are the rules for basketball?
A: Igor, There are way too many rules of basketball for me to go into on here. If you look online, or ...
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| How Can I Improve? | 10/31/2009 |
Q: i am considering signing up for a summer league, so i need some help on how to improve in some ...
A: Normally this is not my area of expertise, however if you want to try shooting with one hand, try ...
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| Basketball | 10/26/2009 |
Q: I caught a long ball while on the run for a fast break opportunity. While looking back to make sure ...
A: Erik, It really depends on who had position first. But also, technically when a player on offense ...
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| Fouls | 9/16/2009 |
Q: When a person is shooting and they are hit on the arm or the opponent hits the ball or body part, ...
A: A two shot foul is given only when a player is fouled in the act of shooting. They are given three ...
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| 9th grade basketball | 7/4/2009 |
Q: hello im trying out for 9th grade basketball and i just wanna ask what type of exercises do i need ...
A: Kell, I can't tell you what exercised to do, but coaches notice hustle. You don't always have to be ...
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| Legal or illegal defensive technique while making a shot? | 6/14/2009 |
Q: During the game one player consistently uses following technique, while making a shot with his right ...
A: First of all, whether a player uses one or two hands to shoot the ball, they are NOT permitted to ...
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| bball | 5/27/2009 |
Q: what is a moving pic. Also, if i'm at a spot like the free throw line and there is a taller ...
A: A moving pick is an illegal screen set by a player on a team that has possession of the ball. What I ...
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| ball going out of bounds | 5/7/2009 |
Q: if a ball is going out of bounds and a player is attempting to save it because his team was the last ...
A: If the player on the opposing team blocks him out and creates contact that impedes that player from ...
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| rules | 5/4/2009 |
Q: What if the ball went out of bounds and the other team fouled who gets the ball. The other team by ...
A: It all depends really on when the foul was committed. A team maintains team control until the other ...
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| shooting follow through | 4/2/2009 |
Q: My daughter is in 8th grade. She has played hoops for 5 years now and has a decent jump shot. One ...
A: That is pretty typical for a young girl that doesn't have a lot of strength. As she moves farther ...
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| moving screen | 3/31/2009 |
Q: Bret, I know what a moving screen is that is typically called a couple of times a game, but is it a ...
A: Actually no, it is not a moving screen. Typically in order for a moving screen to be called there ...
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| in-bounding | 3/24/2009 |
Q: Bret, Can a player in-bounding the ball, after a made basket or otherwise, step over the line, then ...
A: once a player has taken possession of the ball either after a made basket, or after the official has ...
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| Inbounds play | 3/20/2009 |
Q: Bret, My understanding (different from most announcers) is that an inbounding player-not after a ...
A: That is correct. When a player is handed the ball by the official in any situation other than after ...
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| Self pass | 3/12/2009 |
Q: If the player with the ball shoots and misses rim and backboard, and he runs to the other side and ...
A: The answer to your question is YES it is a legal play. The rule is as long as it's a legitimate shot ...
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| defending | 3/9/2009 |
Q: when i am playing defense can i put my forearm on the offensive players back to keep him from ...
A: You may put your forearm against the offensive players back, but you may not push against them, or ...
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| blocking call | 3/7/2009 |
Q: if a defender is moving backwards trying to get out of the way and the ball handler runs into them ...
A: This is actually a great question. And unfortunately there is no exact answer. The reason is that ...
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| Basketball Self Pass | 3/2/2009 |
Q: A player is dribbling the ball into the lane. He picks it up and attempts to pass it back out with ...
A: What you are explaining to me is when a player "loses the handle" on the ball as it is called often. ...
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| Blocking question | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I was reading somewhere online (can't seem to find it anymore) that there was a serious penalty for ...
A: When a Player takes a shot attempt and the ball is on it's downward flight no player may touch the ...
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| can a player be the last to touch a ball both inbound and out? | 2/23/2009 |
Q: If a player is the last to touch the ball while he is in bounds, then goes out of bounds, comes back ...
A: The answer to your question is no, that is not a "legal" play. That is basically passing to ...
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| Receiving your own shot attempt | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I just read your answer to a player being able to receive his/her own shot attempt if it does not ...
A: That is a very good question. The player MAY dribble the ball after rebounding their own shot ...
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| 3-second violation | 1/31/2009 |
Q: I find it very useful and informative. Scenario: Offensive player secures an offensive rebound in ...
A: your very welcome, always glad to help out. In the situation you just mentioned, a 3-second ...
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| shooting | 1/31/2009 |
Q: i miss my shots in games and mess up dribbling with my left what should i do???
A: I'm not sure what happens to you in a game situation as apposed to just practicing, but I would be ...
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| Alternating possessions | 1/30/2009 |
Q: As a veteran scorer, I have always switched the possession arrow when the official places the ball ...
A: The possession arrow should be switched when the ball is actually in-bounded. The reason for this is ...
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| Three simple questions | 1/22/2009 |
Q: We play CYO 5th grade. Opposing team scored with 0.1 seconds on the clock on an out of bounds play. ...
A: Technically with .1 seconds you cannot catch and shoot, so the basket should have been waived off. ...
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| rebound rule? | 1/22/2009 |
Q: someone told me that there was rule change for a player getting his own rebound ,if it does not hit ...
A: Once again, whomever is telling you your wrong is wrong themselves. If they shoot the ball, and it's ...
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| Backcourt violation (over-and-back) | 1/21/2009 |
Q: Situation: Team-A on offense and takes a shot, long rebound to free-throw line where it hits another ...
A: It is a back court violation. The reason is that Team A is considered to have possession of the ball ...
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| Out of bounds rules | 1/15/2009 |
Q: I have been given conflicting but very adamant interpretations of the following: A player is out of ...
A: The 2nd official is correct. All 10 players on the court have to have some kind of status. For ...
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| basketball | 1/13/2009 |
Q: what is traveling and what happens when someone does it?
A: Any player in possession of the ball must dribble it. Once a player picks up their dribble, they may ...
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| basketball scout | 1/8/2009 |
Q: hey im Zach im 16 and I want to be an nba scout but I don't no what I need to do to become one I ...
A: I would start by contacting some Division 1 colleges. Your not going to start scouting in the NBa ...
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| press breaker | 1/2/2009 |
Q: what is the purpose of a press breaker?!
A: If your speaking about the offensive strategy, the press break is a strategy that allows the ...
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| 2-3 Zone defense | 12/19/2008 |
Q: I am on my high school junior basketball team and player the forward position. I am starting to get ...
A: The best way to beat any zone is to score in transition and beat the defense down the court. have ...
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| Becoming an official. | 12/16/2008 |
Q: I want to know what i need to do to become a ref.Please help. I leave in NYC but would travel were ...
A: It depends on what level of basketball you wish to officiate. If your looking at officiating at the ...
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| being fouled after the shot | 12/12/2008 |
Q: If a player on Team A takes a jump shot, and is fouled after the shot and the shot goes in, is it ...
A: If a player on Team A was fouled after the shot, the basket would count, and Team A would be given ...
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| Daughter made varsity but isn't being played | 12/12/2008 |
Q: Our daughter is in the 11th grade, it's a new high school and new coach. There aren't any seniors ...
A: Actually it's more common than you think. Sometimes I don't know what goes on in some of these ...
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| Daughter made varsity but isn't being played | 12/11/2008 |
Q: Our daughter is in the 11th grade, it's a new high school and new coach. There aren't any seniors ...
A: It sounds like the coach isn't very experienced. Maybe your daughter should go back down to JV where ...
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| blowing layups | 12/11/2008 |
Q: my daughter is a very fast point guard. The problem is when she steals the ball, she blows the lay ...
A: Being an effective point guard means you have to make lay ups. The number one characteristic of a ...
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| basketball | 12/10/2008 |
Q: what is the 3 second lane and also how many minutes is allowed to bring the ball past mid court ...
A: There are many reasons for calling a technical Foul. There are administrative technical fouls. For ...
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| basketball | 12/4/2008 |
Q: what is the 3 second lane and also how many minutes is allowed to bring the ball past mid court ...
A: If the guard dribbles the ball, and the ball and both feet cross the mid court line, he now has ...
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| zone defense | 12/4/2008 |
Q: how do you beat a zone defense on offense? any zone in general
A: Kenny, the best way to beat a zone defense is in transition. In other words, get the defensive ...
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| Jump stop in high school | 12/2/2008 |
Q: I've been browsing the past q&a's. and I came across something that said Jump stops are not allowed ...
A: There is no official rule in the high school rule book that states jump stops are not allowed. ...
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| basketball | 11/26/2008 |
Q: hey coach im a junior in highschool, im 5'9 and 132.5 pounds i play varsity point guard for my ...
A: First of all, it's normal to be nervous before games. That's actually a good thing, because it means ...
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| pivot then dribble | 11/22/2008 |
Q: I wanted to know if you could pivot then dribble the ball then take a step, dribble the ball, then ...
A: If you receive the ball and you are standing stationary, and you establish a pivot foot, you may ...
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| pivot then dribble | 11/21/2008 |
Q: I wanted to know if you could pivot then dribble the ball then take a step, dribble the ball, then ...
A: I'm not really sure what your asking, but what it sounds like is dribble, then pick up your dribble ...
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| Offensive basket interference | 11/19/2008 |
Q: If the ball is through the cylinder (rim) but not yet through the net and an offensive player ...
A: The answer to your question is absolutely YES. Once the ball is even over the rim, (doesn't even ...
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| basketball | 11/17/2008 |
Q: what is the 3 second lane and also how many minutes is allowed to bring the ball past mid court
A: The three second lane is simply the Key. If your team has the ball, then none of the players on your ...
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| nervous | 11/15/2008 |
Q: when im in the post i get nervous and end up throwing it up there and usually miss the shot and this ...
A: What you need to do is practice a few key post moves during practice sessions. Gain confidence in ...
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| weight training for basketball | 11/10/2008 |
Q: I'm 20 years old, 6 feet and a half-inch, about 165 pounds and I play the off guard position now ...
A: I'm sorry to say I'm not a trainer, and I will not give out advice on a work out program. If you ...
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| Basketball scout/manager etc. | 11/9/2008 |
Q: I love basketball, so I've thought becoming basketball manager or scout, I don't think agent ...
A: I really don't know too much about becoming a scout. The best thing to do is maybe contact your ...
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| 1 or 2 | 9/22/2008 |
Q: I have a problem at hand. I am currently trying out for the basketball team. I am in grade 11 (i ...
A: I think you need to try out for the position you feel more comfortable with. I would also consult ...
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| Should i tryout with my finger broken? | 9/22/2008 |
Q: want to tryout for my schools basketball team but i just recently broke my middle right finger, the ...
A: I think this is a better question for your doctor. I wouldn't want to give you advice to try out, ...
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| Highschool tryouts | 8/27/2008 |
Q: I'm trying out for my basketball team my first year of high school and I'm just wondering what do i ...
A: Your question is a bit vague, only because whether or not someone makes a school team depends on ...
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| basketball rule question | 8/26/2008 |
Q: What is it called when someone shoots at the basket with the ball. And then misses everything and ...
A: What your explaining is actually a legal play. A player may catch their own rebound whether it hits ...
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| hand fouls | 8/19/2008 |
Q: Can A defensive player in the lane stretch his arms out to prevent an offensive player from ...
A: If the defensive player had position, and his/her arms were already spread out before the offensive ...
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| Open Hop on Better Basketball: 1 on 1 Offense | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I made a video of what they teach on the video but i think it is a Travel. Can you tell me? ...
A: First of all, what I noticed in the video is that the first step is simultaneous with the first ...
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| help me. | 8/16/2008 |
Q: My basketball game consists of many moves affiliated with streetball, many through the legs tricks ...
A: I think some of the top basketball players in college and the NBA have a lot of what you would call ...
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| basketball2 | 8/13/2008 |
Q: why is it in basketball when you are doing a layup you can take 2 steps without bouncing but when ...
A: the reason your allowed to take two steps when doing a layup is just because your in the motion of ...
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| Basketball help (point guard) | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Ny name is Nicky and I need a lot of basketball help. Right now, I have went everyday to a nearby ...
A: You will notice smaller guards in the NBA like Steve Nash, or John Stockton have been so successful ...
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| Basketball help (point guard) | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Ny name is Nicky and I need a lot of basketball help. Right now, I have went everyday to a nearby ...
A: First of all I admire your dedication to the game and your desire to get better. You seem to be ...
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| Gym Architecture for Movie | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Hey Bret, I'm making a senior thesis film at NYU and I wanted to include a very funny scene about ...
A: I'm glad to see your having fun with your film. I wish I new the answer to your question, but I ...
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| shooting and the eyes | 8/4/2008 |
Q: i know this isn't your area of expertise but you're the only expert that i could ask anyway i have ...
A: This is definately not my area of expertise, however my suggestion is to talk to your eye doctor. If ...
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| Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers | 7/28/2008 |
Q: Hey Coach: I coach a select team of 7th grade girls and I have become extremely frustrated with our ...
A: One thing that girls that age tend to do is make "long Passes" They look for the fast break every ...
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| Traveling | 7/22/2008 |
Q: I have a question about traveling. I have watched in the NBA, when a player goes from triple threat ...
A: Technically when a player receives the ball, before he makes any move, he/she must put the ball down ...
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| Violation ??? | 7/15/2008 |
Q: ... Recently I was playing ball at the local YMCA... adults... pick-up... nothing serious. A ...
A: If I am understanding you propely, it sounds like he went to pass the ball, and realized his pass ...
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| Exercises for under 5's | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I have 2 children aged 2 and 4. i am wanting any information on fun activities, exercises, games ...
A: I'm not really not an expert when it comes to basketball development even though i have done some ...
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| Lack of confidence. | 7/1/2008 |
Q: Hey, whats up? My name is Ryan and I am a boy who just turned thirteen like two months ago and I ...
A: I applaud your desire to become a professional athlete, and the fact that although your parents and ...
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| Full contact charge drill in practice? | 6/30/2008 |
Q: Bret, Greetings! My son was injured in a full contact charge drill at his school. He was not the ...
A: Wow!!! Again, i'm really sorry that happened to him. I'm not a lawyer, but I do feel the coache's ...
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| Becoming an Official | 5/16/2008 |
Q: I want to become an official. I played basketball in high school and am graduating this June in ...
A: I started officiating at 15 years old at a local Park & Rec center. You are old enough. Find out ...
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| The Leaper Help | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 13 year old son who is gifted as a Baseball Pitcher and a Sharpshooter Guard / Forward in ...
A: boy I could have used that machine when I was in high school, but truthfully I don't remember it. I ...
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| wanting to become an nba scout | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I was wondering if you could tell me or give me advice on how to study up on how to think like a ...
A: I tried sending you an email, but it got returned, so I'm going to answer you here. I'm really not ...
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| coaching career | 4/1/2008 |
Q: Interview Number Two 1. What do you like most about your ...
A: Interview Number Two 1. What do you like most about your job? I am not a career coach. I ...
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| basketball | 2/25/2008 |
Q: we are students from Syria. We do appreciate your being assistant and we have the full hope that we ...
A: There are many heros and heroines, both professionally and in college. I think Michael Jordan was ...
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| Question on Official Basketball Rule | 2/23/2008 |
Q: My son and I are debating on a out of bounds call. If my son took a shot and missed. The ball was ...
A: One thing to remember is that all 10 players on the court must have some kind of status. In-bounds, ...
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| How to contact scouts | 2/5/2008 |
Q: Regards As an energetic proactive athlete, with a strong passion dedicated to Basketball, I ...
A: I wish I had more information for you, however my expertise is not in this area. I would talk to ...
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| Breaking Through Tall Offence | 1/30/2008 |
Q: just would like to quiz you on a solution for our team, we are a small team and when we come up ...
A: I'm not a coach, but I can certainly offer you some suggestions. First of all, try to beat the zone ...
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| hieght | 1/26/2008 |
Q: well i just wanted to know if 5-11 is tall for a 14 year old and i play basket ball and well i can ...
A: I would say 5-11 is definately above average for a 14 year old, although kids seem to be growing ...
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| What is the call? | 1/23/2008 |
Q: Player A is dribbling at the top of the key. He picks ball up to pass. Player B fakes coming to the ...
A: Aaron, the call should be traveling, although I have seen very similar scenarios where the official ...
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| Boxing Out | 1/19/2008 |
Q: Bret, I was told during a game that after a player establishes position for a rebound (in-contact ...
A: YOu can back a player out, just like you can back up a player while your on offense in the low post, ...
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| Boxing out | 1/11/2008 |
Q: Bret. Can you site that rule in the NBA rulebook? I am shocked that one can put ones arm out and ...
A: I do not have an NBA rulebook, but I can tell you from what your describing, what they are doing is ...
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| Boxing out | 1/7/2008 |
Q: How aggressive can a player be when boxing out for a rebound? What are the rules on establishing ...
A: You can be very aggressive when boxing out. The only thing you cannot do is push off of another ...
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| Pass to self? | 12/29/2007 |
Q: I officiate games at the local YMCA as a part-time job. The rules they provide are minimal and ...
A: this is a tough call to make or not make. If the offensive player clearly just dribbled through the ...
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| Traveling in general + spinning | 12/27/2007 |
Q: i would like to know the difference between the traveling rules in the NBA and in College and ...
A: It just depends on what point you pick up the dribble. There is no specific answer to this question. ...
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| Traveling in general + spinning | 12/27/2007 |
Q: i would like to know the difference between the traveling rules in the NBA and in College and ...
A: basically the traveling violation rule is the same for the NBA as it is in college and high school ...
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| Flash photography | 12/3/2007 |
Q: What about using a flash in high school gyms? Are they permitted? Do they distract players? Most ...
A: I can tell you that in a normall High School gym, an official would ask any spectator to not take ...
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| free throws | 11/27/2007 |
Q: My 9-year-old son is playing for his school team, and they are teaching them to shoot free throws ...
A: no there is no rule about leaving your feet. The only rule that applies in free throw shooting in ...
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| traveling | 11/27/2007 |
Q: I have a friend who says that after you establish a pivot foot that you can then take an additional ...
A: yes I am an official. Remember, violation calls like traveling are not always obvious during the ...
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| Dribbling/Traveling | 11/9/2007 |
Q: I was in a recent city league game and an opposing player was dribbling across halfcourt being ...
A: If the player legitimately lost control of the ball, picked it back up, and it wasn't in a ...
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| carrying and traveling | 10/18/2007 |
Q: I have a question about carrying. How often do referees call it and when do they. Do they not call ...
A: Violation calls like traveling or carrying the ball are called by the official at their discression. ...
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| screening | 9/26/2007 |
Q: can a offensive player step between a defender and the shooter he is guarding in order to set a ...
A: The answer to your question is "It Depends" In order to set a Legal screen, the offensive player ...
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| contact on the hand | 9/26/2007 |
Q: The NBA rules state that it is not a foul to contact on offensive players hand when that hand is in ...
A: Technically, the hand is part of the ball and if the hand is struck by a defensive player, no foul ...
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| Pivoting | 8/26/2007 |
Q: Pivoting is useful in moving to the basket and scoring, can you tell me in general, what is ...
A: Pivoting is just moving side to side leaving one of your feet stationary while moving the other one. ...
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| Backboard | 8/18/2007 |
Q: What happens when someone breaks the backboard? is it a technical or is the game just called off?
A: it is not a techical foul. They simply postpone the game until the backboard can be replaced. ...
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| Pivoting | 8/7/2007 |
Q: Pivoting is useful in moving to the basket and scoring, can you tell me in general, what is ...
A: Although my expertise is not in this area, but rather basketball rules and officiating, i'll attempt ...
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| how can i get better | 7/10/2007 |
Q: So I'm 5'6 and I wanna be a point guard for my sophomore team in high school. i basically play ...
A: I'm sorry I really can't answer your question. My expertise is not in conditioning but rather ...
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| traveling | 6/25/2007 |
Q: this debate between me and my friends about traveling has become a tad bit contentious. I have been ...
A: violation calls such as Traveling are really up to the interpretation of the Official. Yes there are ...
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| Height ? | 6/23/2007 |
Q: I'm 16 & a fan of basketball & NBA. I'm very desperate with my height as my height only 5ft6inch. I ...
A: I spoke to a doctor and he said there is really no way to increase height. It's pretty much ...
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| offensive and defensive player position for free throws | 6/20/2007 |
Q: in the restricted area there are four marked lines (in one side) for rebound players to position for ...
A: If you are refering to the lines that the players must stand in while someone is attempting free ...
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| travelling | 6/15/2007 |
Q: two players were going for a ball, one girl gets the ball as she falls down on her back with her ...
A: A lot of violation calls by the official are made by their interpretation of what happened at that ...
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| football | 5/29/2007 |
Q: i am a sophmore in high school an play onh the varsity football team. i play running back and my ...
A: Well my expertise is in Basketball not football, however, I did run track as a sprinter in high ...
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| What Age? | 5/29/2007 |
Q: Hiya Bret i am 15 years old and i am 5ft 11 and i am new to basketball and i really want to work ...
A: There is an old saying, it is never too late to start anything. You very well might have a natural ...
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| rules | 5/5/2007 |
Q: what is offensive interference?
A: offensive interference is called when the basketball is either sitting on the rim or is in the air ...
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| Basketball | 5/5/2007 |
Q: Why Do Basketball PLayers Get Payed So Much?? p.s this is a project for school
A: What a great question!! Basketball players just like most other professional athletes are paid ...
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