Mechanics Question

[rbruno]

Many rectangular backboards are supported by mechanical piping or other types of supports. Many supports are really close to the backboard itself. I know these are out of bounds and the top of the backboard is not. I also know that a ball hitting the top of the backboard or support is the trails call as the lead should not be looking up when the ball is up there. But does anyone agree with me that the trail sometimes has a bad angle on determining whether the ball hits just the top or the backboard or the support behind? Your depth perception from beyond the foul line is not always so great on this call. Have had several this year when the lead (wrong mechanic or not) has made this out of bounds call on me, as the trail, when I thought the ball just hit the top of the backboard.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by rbruno

Many rectangular backboards are supported by mechanical piping or other types of supports. Many supports are really close to the backboard itself. I know these are out of bounds and the top of the backboard is not. I also know that a ball hitting the top of the backboard or support is the trails call as the lead should not be looking up when the ball is up there. But does anyone agree with me that the trail sometimes has a bad angle on determining whether the ball hits just the top or the backboard or the support behind?

Agree that the trail (in a two person game) may occasionally have a bad angle to see top of the backboard/supports as described, but the lead must keep his eyes down looking for rebounding action.

Yes, a call may be missed, but it would be much worse for a lead to look up at the backboard/supports and miss fouls under the basket.

Imagine a rebounder getting an excessively moving elbow to the nose, bleeding all over the court, and the lead's best answer to the questioning coach is, "Sorry coach, missed it, I was looking up at the backboard supports".

Yeah, that will go over really well.

[JRutledge]

Not sure how the lead can see what hits the top of the backboard without taking their eyes completely off of players.

Peace

[MechanicGuy]

Originally Posted by rbruno

Many rectangular backboards are supported by mechanical piping or other types of supports. Many supports are really close to the backboard itself. I know these are out of bounds and the top of the backboard is not. I also know that a ball hitting the top of the backboard or support is the trails call as the lead should not be looking up when the ball is up there. But does anyone agree with me that the trail sometimes has a bad angle on determining whether the ball hits just the top or the backboard or the support behind? Your depth perception from beyond the foul line is not always so great on this call. Have had several this year when the lead (wrong mechanic or not) has made this out of bounds call on me, as the trail, when I thought the ball just hit the top of the backboard.

Lead SHOULDN'T see it, but if they do and are certain, they should call it.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by MechanicGuy

Lead SHOULDN'T see it, but if they do and are certain, they should call it.

My mother always told us that she had eyes in the back of her head.

Maybe some officials have eyes on the top of their heads.