Fun With Out Of Bounds …

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Is this IAABO coverage for all line coverage ... how does the T know when a player has stepped on the opposite sideline? In my experience, there is NO way the T can see that with any certainty. That line must absolutely be covered by the L to have any chance of getting the call right.

Agree. Yes, it's for all line coverage except press coverage (and I assume fast break transitions). The IAABO rationale is that the Lead, under many situations, shouldn't even be looking there (unless he's ball watching). What makes matters worse is that, half the time, the coaches often have the best look, better than either official.

While I've always disliked this "new" IAABO line responsibility mechanic, I do find myself doing less sideline above the free throw line extended ball watching as the Lead.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Agree. Yes, it's for all line coverage except press coverage (and I assume fast break transitions). The IAABO rationale is that the Lead, under many situations, shouldn't even be looking there (unless he's ball watching). What makes matters worse is that, half the time, the coaches often have the best look, better than either official.

While I've always disliked this "new" IAABO line responsibility mechanic, I do find myself doing less sideline above the free throw line extended ball watching as the Lead.

The lead isn't actually ball watching. They're only watching the line, not the defender and offensive player. When the L see the ball hit OOB or a player step OOB, the L makes a call. This is not unlike screen coverage.

[bob jenkins]

If the ball is near the sideline and above the FT line, there's probably not much going on in the paint that needs close scrutiny -- the L can sneak a peek at the sideline to se if the offense steps on it.

If the ball is being passed around and there is action in the paint, the L still needs to be aware of the ball so the L can position himself (or herself) properly. The L's peripheral vision will let min / her blow the whistle if the ball gets thrown / tipped out of bounds and the L can ask for help.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If the ball is being passed around and there is action in the paint, the L still needs to be aware of the ball so the L can position himself (or herself) properly. The L's peripheral vision will let min / her blow the whistle if the ball gets thrown / tipped out of bounds and the L can ask for help.

Excellent description of the way IAABO used to do it before they switched from NFHS to IAABO boundary responsibility mechanics. I did it for decades, liked it (warts and all), and hated to change.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

The lead isn't actually ball watching. They're only watching the line, not the defender and offensive player.

I get it. I used the NFHS system for decades, liked it, and understand the difference between "ball watching" (in the language of officials) and watching the ball go out of bounds, or watching a ball handler step on a sideline.