Rare Exceptions ...
 

Agree.

My most recent post was a different situation with a possible foul on the three point shooter that ended with bodies on the floor.

Any general statement that the lead should always (opposite of never) be able to see if the ball goes in the basket, while generally true, may have some rare exceptions, which is exactly why we have a partner on our team.

Many of us have probably worked at least one one person game in our careers, and we know how difficult it can be to see everything (because we can't).

The time when it is probably harder to see the ball go in from the lead is a three-pointer in the corner and you have to watch the defender if there is one run at the shooter. You often have to stay with that play longer. Sometimes it is wide open. But either way, if you are wider as you should be, you can turn if there is no threat to the basket and rebounding area. The Trail should also be prepared to help in those situations as no one else might be watching. Again, get open looks and try to see the entire play. Rebounding under the basket can come from the Trail too. And honestly, there are times when as Trail I might be focused on the rebounding, I do not automatically see the ball go in. You have to do so much more in 2 person to cover plays than in 3 person.

Peace

The trail.

Plus, if the lead is positioned correctly by mirroring the ball (and this is a big reason why we mirror the ball), the lead will be able to see a lot more of the action towards the lane. If the lead doesn't mirror the ball, they have to turn their vision so far out to cover the 3-pointer, they lose sight of anything towards the lane. Instead, they see the shooter and what is behind them (spectators, bleachers, or a wall). If they move out to the 3-point line, they instead see the shooter and at least half of the court.

Scorer ...
 

Forty-plus years and only once did neither my partner nor I know if the ball went in, or not.

I was the trail, I called and reported the blocking foul (a train wreck with bodies on the floor in the lane), didn't signal a basket (I didn't see it go in), and stated two free throws. Fully expected the lead to take the call, but she swallowed her whistle and I had to come in to "save the day" (this train wreck needed a whistle).

Coach politely questioned me. I went to my lead rookie partner, who couldn't offer any help (the story of the game).

Went to the scorer, who confirmed that the ball went in the basket. Thank you scorer.

I had to cover two primary coverage areas for that entire game, mine and hers.

Same game, same partner, sounded her whistle and stated "incidental contact". Probably meant to say "inadvertent whistle".

Thank God I never saw her again after that game. According to her, she's a pretty good field hockey official. I find that hard to believe.

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...AU&ec=48665698

And we signaled FTs with one finger. No, not that finger, lol.

MTD, Sr.