Generally, a fast break is going to be down the center of the court, or toward the basket, in other words, toward the center. If you get enough ahead of the action, you can afford to be wide enough to get the angle. Also, if you're fairly wide, you can sort of cut off the corner of the court as you set up off gthe endline, and you'll be looking back with a comfortable angle.

If the action really is down the sideline, and it's really the frontmost action so that it really needs to be yours, get far enough ahead of the action that you can stop, plant both feet facing the action, watch, and then turn and run as needed. Let the play go past you as you stand, if necessary.

Go to some good quality 2-whistle games and see how the best refs do it. Follow their example.

I do not recall that someone is suggesting that if you backpedal a step or two is a bad thing. We are talking about going all the way down court or trying to beat someone to a spot by backpedaling. But I would not recommend that you backpedal as a habit because you have less of a chance seeing where you are going. And if the examples given do not convince you, then I do not know what to tell you.

Peace

Ummm yes, during transition from T to L, I would strongly suggest getting to the endline & being ready to accept the play before the ball crosses the division line. Challenge yourself to do this & you will see that the need/want/desire to backpedal will be eliminated.

Yes.. that is always my goal.

Before the ball crosses the division line? That is a little early if you ask me. Even in 3 Person that can be difficult. If that is expected, then people will forget to close down on a shot.

Peace

FTR, the "endline before division line" technique includes closing down prior & not bailing out.
Not saying I get there everytime, but it's pretty darn close! Assignors & coaches alike certainly notice ones hustle when doing this, compared to backpeddaling or consistently trailing the play.

I think we need better athletes wearing stripes. I used to back pedal, but now I slide like a defensive player.

So I'm trail near division line and suddenly a steal and a throw down court to a streaking 18 year old male athlete and I'm expected to be in position 'A' to accept play?

On a steal, I may have a tussle for ball right in front of me. I'm not immediately bailing out and leaving the 'scene'. I understand hustling into position, but I think your clinicians are being a little unrealistic.

I don't think Ch1 is saying it's an expected thing. It reads to me more like a personal goal, one that increases hustle. It's the hustle that gets noticed by evaluators, not the timing of his arrival to the endline.

I don’t think it's a bad goal to have, as long as one keeps it in perspective, which it seems he is.

I read it as what's expected from assignors. Just a matter of wording perhaps as we all have same goal.

Do not back pedal
We do not teach this in our association
I do observe and tell officials not good

First of all I am not old at all as it relates to other officials and I am in much better shape than the vast majority of officials as well (even those with less experience in officiating). Having said that even in the best situations, I am not going to be down at the Lead position before the ball crosses the division line. For one all the players are not going to be that far down and I will put myself out of positions for other actions. And when you have steals and quick transitions, I feel that is very unrealistic and trying to achieve that is going to be very hard for even the most athletic official. If you are closing down on shot, it makes it even more difficult. I have no problem getting ahead of the ball, but not getting to the end line before the ball gets to the division line.

Now this might be an area concept and that is fine. We teach officials all the time, "You will get beat and it is OK" so stay and officiate the play appropriately. I have even been to college camps and I have never had someone suggest being that quick.

Peace

I can vouge for JRut having met him in person. He is definatly in shape.

(not that I was checkin him out or anything like that)

Alrighty then...

I was just suggesting a method that would help eliminate the original topic "backpedaling".

Crossing over from a wreck league ref to an official, my mentor suggested that I attempt to get there as often as possible to help break that bad habit of backpedaling. And it really works for me, as there is no need to run backwards if you're already there. Not a requirement by any means, but it's hardly frowned upon either. Small things like hustle & appearance can go a long way!
Of course, there are some situations where it just wont happen ie: quick steal going the other way.

Didn't think that needed to spelled out, but I am posting on officiating.com now aren't I. :D

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You are correct, I'll rephrase it by saying in my opinion when someone backpedals they have never received proper instruction whether they are new or a long time official.