I think the point about professionalism is a bit over stated. I will say, though, that when an official is seen backpedaling, it's going to say something about that official.

1. He/she hasn't been instructed not to do it.
2. He/she has been told, but has chosen not to heed the advice.
3. He/she is aware of the danger and is trying to break an old habit.

The first one is at least easily correctable. ;) The third one is easily detected by speaking to the ref about it. The 2nd will give a ref the reputation of being a "yabut" guy. You know the type, the ones who respond to any and all critique with "Yeah, but...."

Good grief!! This has nothing to do with "impressing" other refs. It has to do with doing the best job possible. Lots and lots of refs with lots and lots of experience are telling you that you'll do a better job if you don't back-pedal. There's nothing wrong with asking why they say that, but there's definitely something wrong with assuming that you know better than everybody else.

With all due respect, I also think it looks unprofessional and only a rank beginner backpedals. Save it for the 4th grade park district games.

Judge the backpedaler on a case-by-case situation. Maybe the official was never told. Maybe the official never heard about officials camps. Maybe the official is doing his best.
When you put all backpedalers in the *rank beginner* class, you are not doing justice to other skills they bring to the game.

part of my point
 

Do the coaches and ADs think it looks unprofessional? Do the fans?

Dont assume that Im assuming. I am not assuming and certainly not assuming what you are asserting. To press a few questions wrings all the assuming out of it. I assume you get what Im saying...

As is stated so often for so many things in this business, nothing is absolute. Is backpedalling the best way to make your way down the court while trying to observe the play behind you. Overall, probably not. In certain cases, does it give a better view of a certain part of the play near the sideline. Probably so. Is there greater risk of a serious fall resulting in injury. Probably so. Does it look dramatically worse than running forward while craning one's neck back, or compromising and kinda doing a sideways shuffle. Not if you ask me. Bottom line: try every option and do what you are most comfortable doing.

There are other possible reasons. As an example my "other" sport is soccer. We are taught to backpedal except when additional speed is required. Facing the oncoming play allows a "full view" of the contesting players. To work college soccer part of the annual "physical performance" test is a timed 8 part "agility" sequence of which 4 parts are backpedaling. To NOT backpedal is considered "lazy and unprofessional." :eek:

My very first basketball training session I was told not to backpedal, I acquiesced, I now run forward with my head turned, with a "crick" in my neck, :( and relying on "partial" peripheral vision when I know for a fact that I could backpedal and have a better overall view of the play. :confused: But "when in Rome". :rolleyes:

So Imeadski just "go along to get along". If you want to advance in basketball, this is not a "hill to die on". ;)

There's a lot to that "when in Rome" mentality. But in this case there's more to it than just "going along to get along."

There's a significant difference between a soccer field and a basketball court. A soccer field is much larger, the players more spread, and the chances of running into a wall or other solid obstruction are pretty close to zero.

In basketball you don't need to keep such a close eye on what's going on behind you, you've got a partner -- or two -- to cover that. Yeah, you've still got the sideline, but even if you totally ignored it, you're partner would call it.

Due to the limited size of the basketball court, and the dynamic nature of the game, you never know exactly when "additional speed is required." By the time you "turn and burn" in respose to a faster than anticipated break, you've already lost a step or two and there isn't time/distance enough to make it up.

So welcome to Rome. While you're here, soak up the culture and learn to live like a Roman. And if you do it with an open mind, you might just realize that the idiot Romans who infest the place have learned a thing or two along the way.

Backpedalling. Don't do it. Numerous serious injuries have happened. As new lead why would you want to see the whole court? The whole court is not your resposibility. If you understand your primary coverage area you will realize there's no reason to backpedal.

IMHO, yes to coaches and any knowledgeble fan would also. Just my view.

Ooh, I like it!

Like many others, I was told long ago not to backpedal too. I still do it on an oft occasion, but, normally only a step or two until I can turn and run as directed.

NF, NCAA, NBA, FIBA you do not backpedal.

No other action I can think of screams "rookie" like backpedaling in a basketball game. Then usually you can find other actions that prove you are a "rookie" later.

Peace

1. In all seriousness, you might need to consider hanging them up if you're that bad off.

2. Refer to #1.

3. I don't think anyone here ALWAYS runs with their head turned, looking over their shoulder. I don't. I make quick turns of the head to make sure there's nothing in my way.

4. Who said anything about falling? I asked "Can you more easily catch yourself if you stumble if you're running forward or backpedaling?" Stumble while backpedaling and you're going down. Stumble while running forward and there's an opportunity to catch yourself before you fall. If you do fall, you're more able to avoid busting your head running forward.

In 2 man mechanics there could be a grey area... If your breaking, and the ball is thrown down court and b1 just clobers a2 but new trail doesn't see it cause its technically in new leads area... that can pose problems....

Would anybody here disagree with a back pedal on the last 2 or 3 steps??.. that way you are turned around and in pos but you also have a very good idea of what is behind you cause you just turned around.??