Hand check

[JRutledge]

I only call it when it affect the direction and the movement of the dribbler. It is always good to get it early in the game, so if you have to call it later no one can say you had not called it all game long. For me it is not about touching, it is about direction or impeding. If they touch them and the dribbler is not trying to go North and South, that is the best time to call it. If they are going East and West, I will wait and see what happens. If the defender is directing, I will try to wait a second to see what the dribbler might do. Basically have a slow whistle so I can see if he makes a pass for a layup or eventually beats the defender. If the dribbler beats the defender, I might not call anything until he gets ready to shoot the ball. Then I will call a shooting foul, usually they get the message then.

But I always think you have to call it early, because late in the fourth quarter or in the second half, if you have not called it is way too late.

Peace