Misunderstood Rules

It is not very entertaining to watch a sport that you know little about. Fortunately, most people understand the basics of basketball. Speaking as an official, it is mind-boggling how often I hear people adament about a call or non-call where they are simply demonstrating a lack of understanding the rules.

Maybe people know just enough to be dangerous!

Following are some of the most misunderstood rules in basketball. I thought if you could understand these a bit better you might enjoy the game a bit more. They are divided into the following groups:

Player movement - traveling, layups, jump-stops
Ball handling - high dribble, kicks, self-pass
Counting situations - in the key, throw-ins, closely guarded
Fouls (or not!) - "over the back", block/charge
Court issues - backboard, location after a timeout, backcourt