The purpose of the "3 second" rule is to keep a dominant, usually tall, skilled player from simply being fed passes under the basket and scoring.  However, the application of the three second rule is not a simple as it seems.

The text of the rule is basically that an offensive player may not remain in the key (or "paint") for a count of more than three seconds (that is one one thousand one, one one thousand two, one one thousand three - not 1,2,3).

However, the rule is "suspended" when any offensive player is in possession of the ball and facing the basket.  For example, if player A is in the paint for a count of 2 and the ball is passed into him and he is facing the basket, the three second count is immediately suspended, i.e. cannot be called.  If the player shoots and at least hits the rim, the count is ended.  However, if the player passes off to another player outside of the key, or a player in the key not facing the basket, or shoots and does not hit the rim, the count immediately continues from the point at which it was left off (two in this case).

This is why, in many cases when coaches and players are hollering "three seconds", it is not being called.  Officials also will try to communicate with players to leave the key rather than slow the game and keep calling the violation.  Officials will also focus more on players blatantly staying in the key, not the child who has one part of his big toe in the key.

Lastly, coaches and/or parents assisting the officials by loudly counting 1, 2, 3, rarely, if ever, are rewarded with the official making the three second call!

Do you have a rule that you would like clarified?  If so, submit your question to Ken Foster at kenfos@comcast.net