Focus

[Junker]

Sounds to me like you need to slow everything down. Don't get in a hurry. A patient whistle is correct more often than a quick one. I was in a rush my first game out this season, but as I settled in, I feel that I have a good pace going right now. Everyone has times when we don't have our normal focus. One thing I do is break the game into parts. I tell myself to be the best official I can until the next dead ball. Then at a break, take a deep breath and relax for a minute. Personally I scan the crowd for any good scenery . After the break, back to work and focus. Another thing that really helps me gain my focus is a good pregame. It helps me visualize and concentrate on what I'm going to be doing. Most nights I will tell my crew a little thing I'd like them to keep an eye out for during the game. Then when we talk during the game I can ask for feedback to help me stay into what I'm doing. For example, I've gotten in a bad habit of not having my arm straight up on fouls, it is kind of off to the side and looks lazy. My first few games I've asked my partners to keep an eye on it. I'm obviously thinking about it, but asking for feedback makes me concentrate a little better.

[fullor30]

Originally Posted by Junker

Sounds to me like you need to slow everything down. Don't get in a hurry. A patient whistle is correct more often than a quick one. I was in a rush my first game out this season, but as I settled in, I feel that I have a good pace going right now. Everyone has times when we don't have our normal focus. One thing I do is break the game into parts. I tell myself to be the best official I can until the next dead ball. Then at a break, take a deep breath and relax for a minute. Personally I scan the crowd for any good scenery . After the break, back to work and focus. Another thing that really helps me gain my focus is a good pregame. It helps me visualize and concentrate on what I'm going to be doing. Most nights I will tell my crew a little thing I'd like them to keep an eye out for during the game. Then when we talk during the game I can ask for feedback to help me stay into what I'm doing. For example, I've gotten in a bad habit of not having my arm straight up on fouls, it is kind of off to the side and looks lazy. My first few games I've asked my partners to keep an eye on it. I'm obviously thinking about it, but asking for feedback makes me concentrate a little better.

Slow and patient every time is what I tell myself( funny how my golf game mirrors my officiating sometimes!)

Probably am watching too much TV.and trying to copy the big dawgs.

And yes, the scenery for those kids games can be distracting at timeouts.