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Originally Posted by pghboy
Getting ready to do my first varsity 3 man game and would love some tips on how the rotation works.
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We've generated 3 pages and only 2 responses actually address rotation. Rotation is live-ball movement (usually) initiated by the Lead. The Lead will move from one side of the lane to the opposite side. At that point, the former Trail official moves to the free throw line extended, becoming the new Center official; and the former Center official moves to approximately the 28' line and becomes the new Trail.
When should the Lead initiate a rotation? First in high school, we wait until all 10 players and all 3 officials are in the frontcourt before we rotate. We don't do that NBA stuff where they rotate as soon as the ball is over midcourt.
Second, we'll rotate when the ball moves to the Center's side of the court AND:
1. stays there for more than about 2 seconds.
2. there is also a post matchup (high or low post) on the Center's side of the court.
3. you anticipate that there will be a quick drive to the basket.
When should the Lead NOT initiate a rotation?
1. Before all 10 players and all 3 officials are in the frontcourt.
2. After a drive to the basket has started.
3. While a try is in the air.
4. When the offense is running a "weave" and you know that the ball is immediately coming back to your side of the court.
Also, the CENTER official can initiate a rotation when there is heavy pressure on the ball near midcourt on the Center's sideline. In order to officiate that play, the Center must be in the Trail position. So he/she should immediately move toward midcourt. The Lead official must recognize this and complete the rotation.
One thing I tell guys is that we don't want to leave the Center official with the ball AND a post matchup. The Center can handle a 1-on-1 drive to the basket, no problem. But it's much more difficult to officiate the matchup and also the post. So if you see that, then go help with the post play.
I'm sure there are others here who also have some helpful tips on this. I generally tell new guys that if you
think you should rotate, then rotate. You can always rotate back. Eventually, you'll get a better feel for it. I do think that you CAN over-rotate (for example, in a weave offense with no shot clock); but generally, as long as you're not a ping-pong ball back and forth, just go and come back if you have to.
(Now, if you really meant that you wanted help with switching -- DEAD ball movement initiated because of a foul call -- then let us know and we can talk about that, too.)