First College Game

[crosscountry55]

Originally Posted by Nevadaref

I was taught by one of the current NCAAM tourney guys to think that a clean block is coming or a good screen is about to occur instead of looking for a foul or a crash. You still anticipate the action, you just shift your mindset from thinking that something illegal is about to happen to thinking that a defender or offensive player is going to make a positive play. When that doesn't occur, the illegal action stands out much clearer to you. Also thinking in this manner prevents you from penalizing what is borderline or not there. This is the biggest point. If you are thinking a foul situation is about to happen, then you are much more likely to blow the whistle on debatable contact. Whereas if you anticipate the player making a good play, then what you call will be the more obvious illegal contact and you will get a reputation for only calling solid fouls. Coaches and players end up not questioning your decisions as much. How you are perceived has a huge impact on rising up the ladder.

I really, really like this. As I've moved up I think I've started to put this into practice through repetition and seeing more plays, but the way you articulated this is an excellent framework from which to pre-game and execute. Very nicely stated.