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The play described below is provided for your review and discussion. The ruling given is based on NFHS rules. NCAA rules may be different.
Play #1 – A-1, in the backcourt, attempts a pass to A-4 near the division line. B-4 jumps from Team A’s backcourt and intercepts the ball landing first with his right foot in his frontcourt and then his left foot comes down in his backcourt. The official rules this a backcourt violation. Was the official correct?
Answer: The official was NOT correct. Rule 9.9.3 states that “…while on defense, a player may legally jump from his/her front court, secure control of the ball with both feet off the floor and return to the floor with one or both feet in the backcourt. The player may make a normal landing and it makes no difference whether the first foot down is in the front court or backcourt.” B-4 was a defender and as such, since he gained control of the ball while airborne, he is entitled to land in backcourt. It does not matter which foot comes down first.
References: Rule 9.9.3
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