Hey guys,

I almost always have this problem when I'm new Lead and play is coming fast from backcourt to frontcourt, on my side of the court. I can't run backwards, for obvious reasons. But here comes the dilemma: If I turn my head to look at the play, I may run into some kind of hazard and if I look straight once in a while, I may miss a foul or an OOB violation...

HELP!!! Do you have some tips you can share with the world? Thanks!

I've found that once you bump into a coach, and miss a call that would have been for his team, he'll stay out of the way from then on.

It is easier when you can run wide (towards out-of-bounds) but sometimes there are space restrictions, so you may have to run just on the sideline itself, if the bleachers are right there. But safety first! There are worse things that can happen to you than miss an OOB call. Your partner can help, and at worst you go to the arrow. Sneak a peek down the line. Remember, you have to feed a family, and yes, we all want to call a perfect game, but take care of yourself first.

I try to us my peripheral vision for obstructions, But then I only worry about immovable objects...I figure a human has enough sense to get out of the way. I used to put my hand out to feel for the wall if there wass not much space when I was new. I have a better sense for the floor now and pick up the little painted hints that I need to slow down (top of the key for example).

QuebecRef87,
I think that "almost always" is way too often.
Maybe:
<LI> Work more on anticipating the play.
<LI> Work to get nearer to the sideline.
<LI> Work on your speed.
<LI> Work to freeze and follow.
mick

For some of us "hauling @ss" looks exactly like "freeze and follow". :)

Don't run backwards...... right Brandan?! :D ;)

1) Bend over
2) Put your head between your legs
3) Say <i><b>"Calise..Tabernac"</i></b>
4) Kiss your a$$ goodbye :D

Thank you all for your answers.

You're probably right... Thanks for the cues!

Oh! And by the way JR, that's not really funny... Just in case you think you are. ;)

No problem, QuebecRef. I just won't respond to any more of your posts. That way I won't offend you. Doesn't matter to me one way or t'other. Shrug.

I'm sorry God, this is all my fault... What, are you waiting for me to beg you?! Do as you wish and I'll deal with it one way or t'other.

Now go ahead and shoot me from the top of your mighty 6000 posts. "Shrug".

When I have the room, I like to run a bit out of bounds so I get a good angle on the line when looking over my shoulder. Now having said that, I have had 1 crash with a coach. I wasn't hurt and I don't think the coach was, but he stayed the hell outta my way for the remainder of the game :).

QuebecRef, what school are you attending??

HELP!!! Do you have some tips you can share with the world? Thanks! [/B][/QUOTE]

QuebecRef87,
I think that "almost always" is way too often.
Maybe:
<LI> Work more on anticipating the play.
<LI> Work to get nearer to the sideline.
<LI> Work on your speed.
<LI> Work to freeze and follow.
mick [/B][/QUOTE]

For some of us "hauling @ss" looks exactly like "freeze and follow". :) [/B][/QUOTE]

That's funny!!

Sometimes it can be tough, you gotta anticipate but don't leave your partner to referee rebounding on his own. If they get even with you in transition, just slow for a moment and then follow where you've got a good angle. If they take it to the rack, you've got a good look, if they slow up then you can get by to the baseline. This should only happen a couple of times a game...maybe.

"Living on the edge" in anticipation of bumping into some unforeseen hazard is what makes the game so exciting....that and the great pay, bountiful post-game buffet, and the everlasting admiration and thanks of countless coaches, players and paying fans!

I try to keep looking over my shoulder as much as possible, but I occasionally take a quick glance down court to make sure I'm not going to hit anyone, especially if I'm on a tight court. For the most part, if I run right down the sideline (or just outside if possible) I don't have too much trouble. Earlier this year, however, I was working on a court where the people in the front row have their toes on the court and they can't do anything about it. I took off in transition once, looking over my shoulder, and felt myself bump into someone. It didn't feel like I hit them very hard and I just kept going. After I got down the floor, I could look back and see the 10 year old girl that I had knocked clear to the floor. Had to go apologize to her at half time.

Yeah, it's hysterical. . . until you're actually at camp with Dan and you're going from C to C and you pass him while he's trying to get to the new Lead in transition. :D