Newb question I know, but I've always been more partial to the oblong ball rather than the round ball. Can someone help me with the three second rule? Is this rule the same at all levels? What exactly constitutes a violation? Do both feet have to leave the painted area? I get the feeling they let it go as long as there is some movement and you're not camped out directly under the goal.

Only requires one foot in the lane.

 

Usually an official will talk to players reminding them to get in and out. If a kid doesn't get out he'll get whistled.

 

A few things to remember based on common screams from fans in the stands.

 

When the shot goes up the 3 second count is over. It does not start again until the offense secures the ball on a rebound.

 

BY RULE the 3-second count is suspended when the ball is thrown into a player who is in the paint. So if he's at 2 and catches the ball the count stops to let him make a move to the basket. If he doesn't and passes the ball back out it's a violation.

 

On a throw-in from out of bounds the count does not start until the ball is touched on the floor. So a kid can stand in the lane for 4 seconds without it being a violation if the ball hasn't been thrown in.

 

The count does not start until the ball enters the front court. So a kid standing in the lane for 7 seconds while the ball is being brought up from the back court is not in violation of the rule.

 

If a kid has one foot in the lane , not posting up, and the ball nowhere near him 99% of officials are not going to start counting.

Good info that a large percentage of fans do not know. I love sharing these tidbits with others.

 

BY RULE the 3-second count is suspended when the ball is thrown into a player who is in the paint. So if he's at 2 and catches the ball the count stops to let him make a move to the basket. If he doesn't and passes the ball back out it's a violation.

 

 

been playing or coaching for 30+ years and I did not know this.

Only requires one foot in the lane.

 

Usually an official will talk to players reminding them to get in and out. If a kid doesn't get out he'll get whistled.

 

A few things to remember based on common screams from fans in the stands.

 

When the shot goes up the 3 second count is over. It does not start again until the offense secures the ball on a rebound.

 

BY RULE the 3-second count is suspended when the ball is thrown into a player who is in the paint. So if he's at 2 and catches the ball the count stops to let him make a move to the basket. If he doesn't and passes the ball back out it's a violation.

 

On a throw-in from out of bounds the count does not start until the ball is touched on the floor. So a kid can stand in the lane for 4 seconds without it being a violation if the ball hasn't been thrown in.

 

The count does not start until the ball enters the front court. So a kid standing in the lane for 7 seconds while the ball is being brought up from the back court is not in violation of the rule.

 

If a kid has one foot in the lane , not posting up, and the ball nowhere near him 99% of officials are not going to start counting.

 

One other thing about this rule - it's rarely called. Should either be a point of emphasis or done away with. Ridiculous how players are allowed to camp out without any repercussions.

They never call it anymore. Might as well get rid of it.

Good info .. I was recently curious about some of the finer points of this rule.

 

What if a player falls down in the lane or is tripped? I can't recall if they had the ball or not, but neither a walk or foul was called. I assume the three second count is still applicable, because I witnessed that called once this year.

I saw it called this year. Kid turned his ankle and was down in pain, reaching toward the lower part of his leg. His team had the ball near half court and the ref blew the whistle. I thought it was an injury timeout, but I was wrong. Kid was laying in the lane with the ref looking over him giving the signal. It was a 3 second call on him.

So now you know what to tell the yahoos that keeps yelling "3 Seconds" while multiple shots are being attempted and offensive rebounds are being pursued.

So now you know what to tell the yahoos that keeps yelling "3 Seconds" while multiple shots are being attempted and offensive rebounds are being pursued.

 

Or while some kid is standing in the lane for 12 uninterrupted seconds while his team passes and dribbles around the perimeter.

 

Wait - that IS a 3 second violation.