Curiosity: Freethrow coverage change?

[Richard Ogg]

I was just reading the new 2001-2003 Officials Manual and spotted somthing contrary to my recollection of my initial training. Diagram 26 and 241/242 (page 40-41) indicate that the Lead observes all four positions on the opposite side of the lane. I recall only having responsibility for the lower three positions. Anyone recall if this changed and when, or is my memory failing more often that I realized?

[Camron Rust]

It's your memory. You are mixing it up with the Trail's responsibilities. Although, the trail does potentially have a better view of that top space that the lead is supposed to cover. I suspect it is a matter of keeping the officials area of coverage from being too scattered.


From the 1997-1999 Official's Manual book:

242. Trail official ... will:

e. Watch the top three spaces on the opposite side for lane violations...

243. ..the Lead official...will:
a. Observe the opposite side of the lane plus the first space on the near lane...

[mick]

Originally posted by Richard Ogg
I was just reading the new 2001-2003 Officials Manual and spotted somthing contrary to my recollection of my initial training. Diagram 26 and 241/242 (page 40-41) indicate that the Lead observes all four positions on the opposite side of the lane. I recall only having responsibility for the lower three positions. Anyone recall if this changed and when, or is my memory failing more often that I realized?

Richard,
That's the same as 1999-2001
mick

[ChuckElias]

Anyone see a reason for not using the NCAA mechanic? That would mean that each official (in a 2-man game) would observe the players on the lane line closer to himself. It seems to make more sense than looking across the lane before the shot and then switching to the players closer to you to watch rebounding action. Any thoughts?

Chuck

[Richard Ogg]

As the Trail it widens my required vision to cover the near side all the way to the endline. Remember I have the area behind the 3-point line as well. OK, the difference is not big, but does help by 15 degrees or so.

As Lead if I'm watching the far side I'm at least looking right through the rebounding area, which will be my primary coverage area.

[mick]

Originally posted by ChuckElias
Anyone see a reason for not using the NCAA mechanic? That would mean that each official (in a 2-man game) would observe the players on the lane line closer to himself. It seems to make more sense than looking across the lane before the shot and then switching to the players closer to you to watch rebounding action. Any thoughts?

Chuck

Chuck,
I guess it's easier to see the "Plane" violation from the front.
mick

[Camron Rust]

Originally posted by mick
Chuck,
I guess it's easier to see the "Plane" violation from the front.
mick

I agree.

[112448]

Originally posted by Camron Rust

I agree.

Chuck -

I'm like you. I wish the NFHS mechanic would change to the NCAA one. It's much easier to watch the lane line closest to you. In addition, something I learned at camp this summer validates the NCAA mechanic, especially as the L.

If you're the L, watching your side of the FT lane, you can get a much wider angle (where you can see the front of the rim), which allows you to see space between the player on the lowest block and the player on the second block. The contention is that these are the two players that will give you the most problems during FT rebounding situations. I never thought about it before camp this summer, but it really is true.

Try it in your next game and see if you don't agree -- like anywhere else on the court, seeing space between opponents is the key.

Jacob

[bigwhistle]

It sounds like people are staying focused on the opposite side of the lane for too long a period of time. The purpose of looking opposite is to observe lane violations. As soon as this responsibility is finished, i.e. the ball hits the rim, attention should be refocused on the rebounding action on your side of the floor. This allows you to see between the players as was posted earlier.