Snaqwells wroteThere's no reason not to hit your whistle at 5 seconds on this play. You're counting, you know when it's coming.
Very valid point, in this case. The whistle once you clearly hit 5 (YOU know EXACTLY when that is going to be) alleviates this in MOST, but not all, cases.
BktBallRef wroteIt's almost impossible to count too fast without dislocating your shoulder. Most are too slow, never seen anyone too fast.
I would tend to agree, HOWEVER, I have seen (as a coach and observer) MANY officials hand the ball to the inbounder and hit "1" at the same time. It is important to hand/bounce the ball to the inbounder, THEN begin your count.