Found myself watching last night. (or not watching)

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

Having trouble watching? Maybe try this guy's glasses

You know, you should consider donating your specs to the local Lions Club for some worthy individual. They're obviously not doing much for you...

Originally Posted by Dan_ref

So the question back to you is why do you feel the need to wander away from where the action is?

I was once closely watching a dribbler/defender matchup; I had the perfect angle to see between them, I was watching for illegal hand checks, I had the pivot foot noted, man, was I set. The dribbler starts to take off, and all of a sudden, POW! the defender gets leveled by an illegal screen. Both the defender and screener hit the floor, and I hit the whistle. I was ready to report that foul.

Except...

It was a teammate of the defender that set the "illegal" screen. I look down, mutter a few choice words under my breath, tell everyone I have an inadvertant whistle and giave the ball back to the offense.

Moral: You have to see more than just the initial matchup. Maybe it's a matter of stepping back a little to see more. Granted, I agree the matchup should be your primary focus, but it shouldn't be your only focus. The only way I found to get better at that was to practice - during my own games and while watching other games. I think it is a skill, and like any other, it takes a little practice.