End-line throw-in front-court position
 

For the Lead Official in 3-man games: End-line throw-in front-court position

When the ball is located outside the 3 point line, clearly the Lead will position himself on the inside (closer to the basket).

When the ball is located at the free-throw line intersection, the Lead must be positioned on the outside.

I had someone say that he always stands on the outside of the ball, unless this puts him outside the 3 point line intersection.

Question: do you guys like to position yourself on the inside of the player when the ball is located between the free throw and 3-point lines. For example, 2/3 of the way out to the 3 point line. (i.e., better coverage of a post matchup.)

That someone you mention must be the same someone that has instructed me at nearly every clinic and camp I have ever been to. Always on the outside unless that puts me outside the arc is the way I've always done it, both 2p and 3p.

Your thought to maybe slide that boundary in a little bit is an interesting idea, but I don't think it would be ideal because if I'm on the inside watching the throw-in, I've got to turn my head that much quicker to catch a cutter moving toward the basket. I probably won't see the play very well with such a shrunken field of vision, especially if my field of vision is changing rapidly.

End-line throw-in front-court position
 

That's not what I teach for 3-person.

If you can comfortably be inside and not be pushed in the lane, go there. You have no sideline coverage and the trail can handle anything outside.

If you're outside and the ball goes into the lane, you've taken yourself out of the play cause you're screened by the thrower-in.

Stand where you can see the play. As a general rule if the throw-in is 60% or more of the way from the lane line to the 3-point line intersection I will stand inside the thrower.

The guidelines for this are different for NCAA-Men's than they are for NFHS.

What are the differences?

I'm comfortable going inside when I can. Gives me the look I want. But I'm curious to see the thoughts from the "powers-that-be."

Without having my mechanics book right in front of me, I believe that the NFHS mechanic is to have the lead be on the outside on this.

Beginning halfway between the lane line and the 3-pt line and as you move towards the 3-pt line, the official has the option of going inside.

I remember the late Edgar Cartotto preaching to "keep your ass to the glass." :)

MTD, Sr.

Right.

I am going inside sooner than that.

Are you sure on this? I don't have my book in front of me, so I'm not saying you are wrong.

Where I am from, we have always been told to be on the outside unless that puts you outside the three point line.

What does NFHS say in the book?

NFHS Officials Manual 3.2.2:
"The Lead may be made on either side of the thrower for end line throw-ins in the frontcourt. Proper positioning should be based on providing the best possible coverage."

Perfect.

If only I could get some people to STOP BOUNCING improperly on that line.

Awesome. That makes it so much easier when you have that ball thrown into the lane area.

I really try hard not to do that. Always try to hand it.