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Basketball Instruction/Questions Answered by Expert Bret Temple

SubjectDate Asked
3 second rule2/4/2012
  Q: Can a 3second violation be called when rebounding on the offensive end of the court? Example, guard ...
  A: The answer to your question is no, not in the scenario you just described. After a shot attempt, the ...
basketball rule regarding referee interference1/30/2012
  Q: Team Blue down by 3 points, had possession of the ball, 12 seconds on clock. Inbound play worked ...
  A: April, That is a very unfortunate accident at such a crucial point in the game. It sounds like the ...
technical fouls1/20/2012
  Q: WHEN A PLAYER ATTEMPS TO BLOCK A SHOT, AND SLAPS THE BACKBOARD AND MAKE THE BOARD SHAKE CAUSING THE ...
  A: If a player makes a legitimate shot block attempt and in the "follow through motion" hits the ...
foul calrification12/20/2011
  Q: An opposing player continuously launches himself, while shooting, into a defender while making an ...
  A: I'm trying to visualize exactly what you mean by the player launching himself into the defender. ...
unfair tryouts12/18/2011
  Q: My son attends high school in California (southern)he is a junior and has played previously as ...
  A: This is not my area of expertise, however, once you get to the High School level and above, it's all ...
hs girld basketball12/17/2011
  Q: Player A rebounds, make a pass out of heavy traffic, without dribbling. ball touches no other ...
  A: This is a great question. The answer is it's a violation. Once you make a legitimate pass attempt, ...
backcourt violation12/4/2011
  Q: Team A in their backcourt advancing the ball. A1 while in the backcourt throws the ball to A2 who ...
  A: The answer to your question is yes. This would be a backcourt violation. The reason is because A2 ...
Ineligible Player in the Game11/4/2011
  Q: Player A is fouled while in possession of the ball but in a non shooting situation. However the ...
  A: Todd, This is a great question. First of all, the proper protocol when a player fouls out is it's ...
offensive foul8/24/2011
  Q: When is something classified as an offensive foul? ANSWER: Hi David, Thanks for the question. An ...
  A: the Charge/block call can be the most difficult and controversial call in Basketball. Sometimes the ...
offensive foul8/15/2011
  Q: When is something classified as an offensive foul?
  A: An offensive foul is basically any foul committed by the team that has possession of the ball. For ...
Loose ball foul?8/13/2011
  Q: A shot is taken, ball comes up short and it's an air ball..the ball is rolling on the floor. Can the ...
  A: First of all just to clarify, a Loose Ball Foul is a term only used in the NBA, however the concept ...
Over and Back violation7/27/2011
  Q: My question has to do with the Over and Back Violation. Team-A has the ball in the frontcourt, and ...
  A: Cody, This is a great question. Possession is not necessary in order for a Back Court Violation to ...
Tech - Unsportsmanlike conduct5/19/2011
  Q: When a shooter goes up, sometimes a defender will 'stab' with his hand/arm at the mid-section of the ...
  A: Tim, There is nothing defined in the rule book specifying this is unsportsman like. A defender can ...
back court violation throw in spot5/13/2011
  Q: Last night A1 turned the ball over from the front court to the ball court. He retrieved it in the ...
  A: The ball should have been inbounded on the sideline or baseline nearest to where the violation ...
Free Throw Errors4/20/2011
  Q: I have a question about a situation that happened in a high school game. A player got fouled while ...
  A: Wow, this is a situation that never should have happened. Officials at the high school level should ...
self pass4/17/2011
  Q: I know there is no such thing as self pass in the books, but what if the player passes the ball to ...
  A: The answer to your question is no the player cannot do that. once a player makes a legitimate pass ...
ball shot from under the rim3/4/2011
  Q: My niece was in a grade school game and an offensive player rebounded a shot ball from under the ...
  A: According to High School rules, It's a violation. The basket should have been waived off, and the ...
girls basktball2/27/2011
  Q: IF YOU ARE INBOUNDING A BALL UNDER YOUR OWN BASKET AND ONE OF YOUR PLAYER ARE IN THE LANE AREA IS ...
  A: There is no time limit a player can be in their own lane until the ball has been inbounded into ...
basketball2/27/2011
  Q: For NFHS rules- If team A player, A-1, has the ball and dribbles from backcourt to frontcourt and ...
  A: This would be a backcourt violation. Player A-2 caught the ball in mid air before he/she landed in ...
technical fouls2/25/2011
  Q: I have a player on my team who purposely hits girls in the game and has many received technical ...
  A: I'm not sure what age level or what type of league she plays in, but this should be addressed with ...
rules question2/18/2011
  Q: The ball is being thrown in under our own basket. It is tipped by one of our players and goes into ...
  A: I"m assuming your team is the one inbounding the ball, so the answer to your questions is no this is ...
Double dribble2/10/2011
  Q: If a player is dribbling the ball and then catches it and fumbles while passing without the opposite ...
  A: Once a player picks up their dribble, technically they are allowed two steps, as long as they are in ...
Double dribble2/8/2011
  Q: If a player is dribbling the ball and then catches it and fumbles while passing without the opposite ...
  A: What you are describing is basically correct. As far as fumbling the ball purposely, I suppose you ...
Double dribble2/7/2011
  Q: If a player is dribbling the ball and then catches it and fumbles while passing without the opposite ...
  A: if a player is dribbling and then catches the ball, but then fumbles the ball, or "loses the handle" ...
Backcourt Violation2/7/2011
  Q: If a player of Team A has the ball in hand and is coming from his defensive court to the offensive ...
  A: First of all let me just correct the terminology your using to describe the offensive court and the ...
Throwing baskets12/11/2010
  Q: Bret I am 53. I have a touch o arthritis in my knees so I had to quit jogging, I have settled for a ...
  A: Gord, There is a difference between getting a good sweat in and actually enduring a cardio-vascular ...
Zones12/7/2010
  Q: I know very little about the finer points of basketball. My 11 year old son is beginning to play ...
  A: Every coach runs their own offense. At the age and level of 11 years old, the kids aren't really old ...
Watching B ball12/2/2010
  Q: Bret I am an old white Canadian guy (52) that has recently developed an interest in basketball. ...
  A: So glad you developed an interest in basketball. It really is one of the most exciting team sports ...
NBA Coaching11/29/2010
  Q: I want to become an NBA coach but I don't know how to get started and where to begin. I know some ...
  A: I think it's great that you have the ambition to want to coach at the highest level of basketball. I ...
High School Try Outs11/29/2010
  Q: My son is in 9th grader and is an AAU level player and was also league champion in 8th grade.He is ...
  A: This is the cold hard truth about High School sports. It's very different from all other levels of ...
When is possession established on a jump ball11/29/2010
  Q: Game being played under NFHS rules, at the beginning of the game the jump ball is tipped by team A ...
  A: The call was partially correct and partially incorrect. The ball was tipped by Player A before going ...
Three seconds rule and offensive rebounds11/2/2010
  Q: I have been looking around for more information on the three seconds rule. I would appreciate if you ...
  A: Peter, This is a great question. First of all let me explain when the three second rule is in ...
coaching10/28/2010
  Q: how do i people become college and pro coaches even bench coaches?what is the process?
  A: Tex, There are many different ways to become a coach at the higher level. Most coaches at some ...
How to become a sports instructor8/29/2010
  Q: I have been back and fourth in my mind with trying to figure out what career I wanted to go forward ...
  A: I share your love for the game, and wish I could turn the clock back, because if I could, I would ...
how to get back in shape8/24/2010
  Q: I been playing basketball for as long as I can remember but over the summer i kind of slacked off ...
  A: Darryl, This is really not my area of expertise, however, you need to figure out why you gained the ...
Mentality7/16/2010
  Q: I'm a very good basketball player i know it and so does everybody else. But i had basketball tryouts ...
  A: Eddie, This is not my area of expertise, but I can tell you that what your going through is just ...
tryout for nba7/14/2010
  Q: I have already graduated from college but could go back if need be. I want to know if there are any ...
  A: Mitch, I'm not a 100% sure, but I believe some NBA teams do have open try outs, and they have ...
Appropiate competitive age groups6/2/2010
  Q: My daughter is 10 and somewhat new to basketball. We signed her up for a 5th & 6th grade basketball ...
  A: From the experience I have from reffing those ages I would say no. I think there can be big ...
Back Court Violation4/25/2010
  Q: This is a rare circumstance that happened today at a pick up game...Team A establishes front court ...
  A: This is a great question. The answer is it is NOT a back court violation. The reason is because once ...
to short?4/11/2010
  Q: i love basketball i play everyday almost all day long. I'm a really good shooter but my problem ...
  A: Josh you seem to have the same issues as I did when I played basketball. I was just too short ...
Basketball Self-Pass Off Backboard4/8/2010
  Q: Can you intentionally pass the ball to yourself off the backboard (not a shot attempt)? I have seen ...
  A: The answer to your question is yes. You can throw the ball off the backboard, catch it and shoot it ...
Offensi ve Interference - Touching Rim3/30/2010
  Q: This happened Sunday 3/28/10 in the Duke-Baylor game. The player went to dunk the ball. The dunk ...
  A: for some reason, it still won't let me watch it. However, from what I can deduce by your ...
Midcourt violation...or not.3/26/2010
  Q: Can an offense player : a) dribble from his defense zone to the midcourt, stop on top of it -one ...
  A: I think I'm having a problem understanding what you mean by defensive zone, offensive zone. Here is ...
playing basketball3/21/2010
  Q: I played basketball 1st grade thru 6th grade but didnt play any in high school because i wanted to ...
  A: Whether or not you have the talent to play at the professional level has nothing to do with whether ...
Illegal screen3/8/2010
  Q: I was playing in a pick up game and was called for an illegal screen - I argued it wasn't illegal ...
  A: The call was correct. Even if you are in possession of the ball, you cannot move into a defending ...
get better at basketball3/2/2010
  Q: hey him Anthony. I am going to be a junior next year and i really need to step up with my game. My ...
  A: Unfortunately, even though I have coached in the past, I do not consider myself even close to being ...
cif basketball2/25/2010
  Q: a1 goes for a lay up and release the ball, b1 runs after him tried to block the lay up but did not ...
  A: Fred, If contact was made by B-1 way after the lay up attempt and A-1 is now out of bounds, no foul ...
back court violation2/20/2010
  Q: I just left my daughter's park-n-rec game having started a "lively discussion". Another player ...
  A: Jennifer, This is a very common mis-conception. The call was correct; it is a back court violation ...
Technical fouls2/17/2010
  Q: Team A received a foul and while the ref was reporting the call, a player from Team A said something ...
  A: Well, I hate to take a Coaches side over a fellow official, but that is in deed a terrible ...
Technical fouls2/16/2010
  Q: Team A received a foul and while the ref was reporting the call, a player from Team A said something ...
  A: Neil, The referee was absolutely wrong in what he did. You do not guess on who to give a Technical ...
cif basketball2/15/2010
  Q: 1. swinging elbow. a1 dribbling the ball in front court, b3 swinging elbow, not hitting anyone or ...
  A: wow that is strange, I've never seen that. I suppose a violation could have been called if it was ...
cif basketball2/15/2010
  Q: 1. swinging elbow. a1 dribbling the ball in front court, b3 swinging elbow, not hitting anyone or ...
  A: Fred, I answered question 1 already. I'm not sure why a defensive player would be swinging their ...
cif basketball2/12/2010
  Q: 1. swinging elbow. a1 dribbling the ball in front court, b3 swinging elbow, not hitting anyone or ...
  A: wow, lots of questions. Ok here we go. 1. Any player who flagrantly throws elbows back and forth ...
How can I jump higher2/9/2010
  Q: .I do jumping exercises a lot and I weight lift but I don't seem to be able to jump any higher than ...
  A: Brayden, This really is not my area of expertise. Sometimes your genetics play a huge factor in ...
traveling2/9/2010
  Q: For about 3 years now there have been a lot of comments on my jumpshot footing...saying that I ...
  A: Kevin, The answer to your question is yes, you can take two steps just like when you pick up your ...
Basket good as time expires after a blocked shot1/31/2010
  Q: Officiating basketballIn an NCAA game Saturday afternoon, Player A shoots the ball before the ...
  A: I am not sure of NCAA rules, but CIF High School basketball rules would count the basket. As long as ...
becoming a scout for a ncaa1/29/2010
  Q: i am a in high school and i want to become a scout for basketball it says i have to contact the NBA ...
  A: I am not too familiar with scouting jobs. My expertise is in the Rules of basketball. I would try ...
Backcourt Violation question1/28/2010
  Q: Team A has control of the ball in the front court. A1 is dribbling. The ball is tipped by B1, then ...
  A: John, This is a very good question. Just because Team A was the last to tip it, doesn't mean that ...
Backcourt Violation question1/28/2010
  Q: Team A has control of the ball in the front court. A1 is dribbling. The ball is tipped by B1, then ...
  A: The Back-court violation rule can be a little tricky at times. If team A has control of the ball in ...
High Dribble1/27/2010
  Q: I was playing a pick up game when a player was driving towards the basket. He bounced the ball hard ...
  A: This sounds like a situation where it's tough for me to answer it, and it's one of those plays where ...
Possession Arrow1/24/2010
  Q: We are playing in a city rec league that uses NCAA rules. The possession arrow was on the Team A ...
  A: Sammy, the reason why the possession Arrow never changed was because the ball was never in-bounded. ...
hand as extension of ball rule...nba/high school1/21/2010
  Q: ...defensive player swings down and a clear "slap" is heard due to hitting hand and offensive player ...
  A: First and foremost referees are not suppose to make calls based on sound, rather what they see. If ...
shot attempt1/20/2010
  Q: If a player shots the ball and is fouled in the process, is the shot counted as an attempt? ANSWER: ...
  A: To be honest, I'm not an official statistician, but I would have to say no it would not count as a ...
Backcourt violation varification1/9/2010
  Q: Player A was dribbling the ball and lost her balance and fell. Her hands and the ball crossed the ...
  A: Kayell, In order for a player to have "Front court Status" the ball, and both feet must cross the ...
calif high school basketball question1/7/2010
  Q: Offensive guard has ball on wing and picks up dribble behind the three point arc. Fake pass back to ...
  A: Andy, that is a great question, and I've never seen that before. In order for it to count as a 3 ...
becoming a scout1/2/2010
  Q: I'm a junior in highschool with an above avg GPA. I watch basketball constantly and know alot more ...
  A: Christian, To be honest, there are probably many ways to become involved in sports as a profession; ...
7 yr old and basketball12/12/2009
  Q: I have a 7 year old who had one practice class and his first game this week. Although he expressed ...
  A: Unfortunately I've seen this kind of behavior from parents before. It's more prevalent in fathers ...
Out of bounds question11/29/2009
  Q: Player is dribbling ball up court. He steps out of bounds (voluntarily or forced). He then ...
  A: Arlen, Anytime a Player has possession of the ball he/she may NOT step out of bounds at any time. ...
Moving Screen11/25/2009
  Q: I always thought if the person setting the pick moved, it was a moving screen. If the person can ...
  A: Anyone setting a screen MAY NOT move. But keep in mind, a player setting a screen must make contact ...
Father coach 5 yr old son11/14/2009
  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 ...
need help on rules11/6/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Basketball10/26/2009
  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 ...
Fouls9/16/2009
  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 ...
9th grade basketball7/4/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
bball5/27/2009
  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 ...
ball going out of bounds5/7/2009
  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 ...
rules5/4/2009
  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 ...
shooting follow through4/2/2009
  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 ...
moving screen3/31/2009
  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 ...
in-bounding3/24/2009
  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 ...
Inbounds play3/20/2009
  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 ...
Self pass3/12/2009
  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 ...
defending3/9/2009
  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 ...
blocking call3/7/2009
  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 ...
Basketball Self Pass3/2/2009
  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. ...
Blocking question2/27/2009
  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 ...
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 ...
Receiving your own shot attempt2/11/2009
  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 ...
3-second violation1/31/2009
  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 ...
shooting1/31/2009
  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 ...
Alternating possessions1/30/2009
  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 ...
Three simple questions1/22/2009
  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. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Out of bounds rules1/15/2009
  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 ...
basketball1/13/2009
  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 ...
basketball scout1/8/2009
  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 ...
press breaker1/2/2009
  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 ...
2-3 Zone defense12/19/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
being fouled after the shot12/12/2008
  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 ...
Daughter made varsity but isn't being played12/12/2008
  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 ...
Daughter made varsity but isn't being played12/11/2008
  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 ...
blowing layups12/11/2008
  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 ...
basketball12/10/2008
  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 ...
basketball12/4/2008
  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 ...
zone defense12/4/2008
  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 ...
Jump stop in high school12/2/2008
  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. ...
basketball11/26/2008
  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 ...
pivot then dribble11/22/2008
  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 ...
pivot then dribble11/21/2008
  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 ...
Offensive basket interference11/19/2008
  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 ...
basketball11/17/2008
  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 ...
nervous11/15/2008
  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 ...
weight training for basketball11/10/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
1 or 29/22/2008
  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 ...
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, ...
Highschool tryouts8/27/2008
  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 ...
basketball rule question8/26/2008
  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 ...
hand fouls8/19/2008
  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 ...
Open Hop on Better Basketball: 1 on 1 Offense8/19/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
basketball28/13/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Gym Architecture for Movie8/8/2008
  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 ...
shooting and the eyes8/4/2008
  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 ...
Turnovers, turnovers, turnovers7/28/2008
  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 ...
Traveling7/22/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Exercises for under 5's7/8/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
Becoming an Official5/16/2008
  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 ...
The Leaper Help5/13/2008
  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 ...
wanting to become an nba scout5/12/2008
  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 ...
coaching career4/1/2008
  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 ...
basketball2/25/2008
  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 ...
Question on Official Basketball Rule2/23/2008
  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, ...
How to contact scouts2/5/2008
  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 ...
Breaking Through Tall Offence1/30/2008
  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 ...
hieght1/26/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Boxing Out1/19/2008
  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, ...
Boxing out1/11/2008
  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 ...
Boxing out1/7/2008
  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 ...
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 ...
Traveling in general + spinning12/27/2007
  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. ...
Traveling in general + spinning12/27/2007
  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 ...
Flash photography12/3/2007
  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 ...
free throws11/27/2007
  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 ...
traveling11/27/2007
  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 ...
Dribbling/Traveling11/9/2007
  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 ...
carrying and traveling10/18/2007
  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. ...
screening9/26/2007
  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 ...
contact on the hand9/26/2007
  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 ...
Pivoting8/26/2007
  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. ...
Backboard8/18/2007
  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. ...
Pivoting8/7/2007
  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 ...
how can i get better7/10/2007
  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 ...
traveling6/25/2007
  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 ...
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 ...
offensive and defensive player position for free throws6/20/2007
  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 ...
travelling6/15/2007
  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 ...
football5/29/2007
  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 ...
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 ...
rules5/5/2007
  Q: what is offensive interference?
  A: offensive interference is called when the basketball is either sitting on the rim or is in the air ...
Basketball5/5/2007
  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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Bret Temple

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Expertise

My expertise is in the art of Officiating Basketball and I can answer questions pertaining to basketball rules; youth level through CIF High School, NCAA college and NBA rules as well. I can either help define a specific rule for you, or interpret a specific rule to clarify how other officials and I view and call the game.

Experience

I have been a Basketball Official now for over 19 years, officiating at all levels. I have attended numerous training camps throughout the years in an attempt to constantly become a better official. I have been evaluated by top Officiating organizations and I've had the honor of being selected to officiate at the highest levels including former Division 1 College and NBA players.

Organizations
NASO (National Association of Sports Officials) CBOA (California Basketball Officials Association)

Education/Credentials
El Sorrino Officials Association Accreditation CIF Certified(California Interscholastic Federation) WCPBL(West Coast Professional Baskeball League) The NBA Developmental League training

Past/Present Clients
Los Angeles City Parks and Recreation, Calabasas Basketball League, Calabasas Semi-Pro Men's League, AYBA California Interscholatic Federation, ARC League , (WCPBL)West Coast Professional Basketball League, Gary Grant Youth Basketball Program

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