Is executing the “Barking Dog Play” good sportsmanship?
In youth basketball play, the team inbounding the ball under their offensive basket, instructs one of their players to get down on hands and knees and bark like a dog. The distraction apparently works, as the inbounds pass to another player results in a short shot for a basket.
However, if YouTube comments are to be believed, the referees disallowed the shot because of trickery. Is play calling like this fair game? Is it good sportsmanship? What do you think?
The Barking Dog Play
The refs got it right. From a sportsmanship perspective, I don’t think this type of play call is a great idea for basketball. A successful outcome of the play results in the opposing team being embarrassed and demeaning the “barking dog” player on the offensive team. Clever plays don’t need to fall to this level.
How can you not like this play? It shows some creativity and street smarts. If anything, it teaches the opposing players to be alert and defend the goal. As far as demeaning, I don’t think so. That player, his teammates and parents will have a story to tell for days!
I think the “Mooing Cow” play is stronger!