Can a closely-guarded situation occur with different defenders as long as the 6-foot distance is maintained?

In basketball, a closely-guarded situation refers to a scenario where an offensive player is being closely guarded by a defender within six feet. The important aspect of this rule is the distance maintained between the offensive player and the defender. If different defenders maintain that 6-foot distance while guarding the offensive player, it still qualifies as a closely-guarded situation.

This means that even if the offensive player is switched to be defended by another player, as long as that player also adheres to the 6-foot requirement, the situation is considered valid. This allows for fluid transitions between defenders without losing the protection of the closely-guarded status, so long as they meet the criteria set forth in the regulations.

Recognizing this highlights the fluid nature of defensive assignments in basketball, where players often switch based on strategies or matchups while still adhering to the rules surrounding tight guarding. This understanding is crucial for players, coaches, and officials in managing gameplay effectively and keeping within the bounds of the regulations.