Quote:
Originally Posted by Jay R
He moved his pivot foot. What I don't get is why do so many focus on the NBA not calling travels? This same move will go uncalled in many Division 1 games. The officials have gone away from focusing on footwork and focus on contact. This is true at the NBA and NCAA levels, at least what I see on TV. I live in Canada so I won't comment on other levels in the US. Here in Canada, there has been a trickle down effect. Travels are not called the way they were. Good or bad I'm not sure. But why do we criticize the NBA more? Is it because they're supposed to be setting the standard?
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I couldn't have written this comment any better. It's a great question.
IMO, as the game has become more physical, keeping an eye on defenders, particularly their upper bodies where most contact occurs, has become imperative. So it's hard to simultaneously watch the footwork on the separate offensive player. And of course if you're not sure, you can't call it. "Referee the defense!" they say. Good advice, but missing some travels is an obvious pitfall.
Until the game becomes less physical and/or less spread out like it used to be, I don't see travelling calls going up. C'est la vie. To be fair, it's not a huge point of contention for most of the evaluators and clinicians I've come across, so I think they're aware that this is a very hard nut to crack as well.