What does defensive 3 seconds rule mean in basketball?

Question

I am just not sure what this rule means in basketball, and it keeps occuring on my nba game on ps2

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

This rule applies only to the NBA.

It's when a defender is in the paint for 3 seconds and not guarding someone. It's so players like Shaq and Yao can't wait under the basket for someone to come along and get blocked.

You can defend someone in the paint for as long as you want.

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

good going Nick

Answer 2

it means you cant' keep both feet inside the paint for more than 3 secs...
since you have them there, you count 1,2,3 seconds...if at 3 you have still both foot inside that's 3 seconds violation

putting 1 foot outside the line is enough to cut the count of the seconds...

it works on both offence and defense (offensive 3 sec violation or 3 sec defensive violation)

Answer 3

It means that you can't have both feet in the paint unless you are guarding someone. If you are not guarding anyone and you are anywhere in the paint you will be whistled for the violation.

Answer 4

It means that your players are staying in the paint for 3 seconds in a row. This is a tough violation, but that's what's happening in your game.

Answer 5

A defender may stay in the paint no more than three consecutive seconds.