3 man

[ChuckElias]

Originally posted by Ralph Stubenthal
HELP. I'm trying to learn 3 person mechanics and am having some trouble.

Ralph,

Studying the mechanics manual is a good start. It gives a good explanation of where you should be. But as you've already realized, actually doing it on the floor can be a different matter.

I can only tell you about my own situation. This is my first year of doing 3-man in real games (after doing 2-man for 9 years). I'm feeling pretty good about it, though, b/c I've attended 2 camps and worked dozens of pre-season scrimmages over the last 3 years, using the 3-man system.

Even with all that practice, I still find myself at times worrying about where I am on the floor instead of officiating. Every once in a while, I have to remind myself where I am and what my primary responsibilities are. I think that it will come in time, but I (and you, too, probably) just need to work as much 3-man as possible until it becomes second nature.

I'm not completely sure of exactly what a long switch is. I think that the long switch occurs when there is an offensive foul in frontcourt

A long switch occurs on any backcourt foul. That is, anytime a foul occurs and the ball will be going "the other way", the officials initiate a long switch. This can be an offensive foul, as you mention. It can also be a foul during rebounding action, or during a loose ball on the floor. The calling official goes to the side of the floor opposite the table and the official who was opposite (either the T or C) comes to inbound the ball at the spot closest to where the foul occurred.

Having said that, I don't think that you should worry about "long switch" situations. Just switch on every foul, like your supposed to. (Although, I guess FED mechanics now say not to long switch, right?) But if you just switch on every foul, you won't have to worry about what the long switch is.

It's really tough trying to concentrate on the game when the mechanics don't come automatic. Anything you can tell me on the subject of 3 man mechanics will be geatly appreciated, thanks, Ralph.

How do you get good at 3-man mechanics? Same way you get to Carnegie Hall.

Practice, practice, practice.

Best of luck on your season,

Chuck