Backpedal
 

NFHS

After a made basket where I will become the new lead, I like to backpedal from about the free throw line to the baseline. I get a full view of the court and the players.

Observers have graded me down for this, without very good reasoning in my opinion. They say you can't see where you are going which is true. However, it is also hard to see running forward with your head turned to the side. Does anyone else do this? Any constructive comments/suggestions welcome.

One Day...
 

Don't receommend doing it and never teach our rookies to do that. Guranteed one day you will tumble head over heels doing that.

NOT a good idea! I too used to do that until I tripped on one of the lines on the floor and ended up fracturing my wrist. I was out about 3 weeks. Much better to run forward and turn and watch players, hustling down to the baseline, then face play. Much faster that way to.

I did this my first year of officiating during a middle school game in a very small gym...less than two feet between the boundary line and the wall...my head made a lot of noise when it hit the wall...a big goose egg that took two days to get rid of. It was the last time that I used the backpedal.

Get wider so looking back isn't so uncomfortable. Also, get a little further in front and then if necessary turn body completely around at about the second free throw spot and WALK backward if necessary. That's only if play hesitates near the arc, or top of key, and you don't want to be TOO far ahead. DOesn't happen often.

You always want to 1) look athletic and 2) "move with a purpose" - backpeddling (unless you're a football defensive back) accomplishes neither. To the trained eye it just looks absolutely silly/horrible.

Then there's the whole "You'll do it until your first tumble" argument, which is what personally worked for me back in intramurals in college.

Besides the fact that no observer likes backpedaling, backpedaling puts an unnatural strain on your achilles tendons and heels adding the potential for fatigue or injury later in the game, season or career.
Since it is an unacceptable practice, backpedaling is also an indication of a lack of training (or listening), and again, because it is unacceptable [for whatever reason] it makes an official look "funny", sorta like wearing white socks.
No, you cannot see in front of you while your are looking over your inside shoulder, but you can snap your head a 1/4-turn for a quick peripheral glance more quickly and with more balance than you can when you're running backwards.
Many officials will find it necessary, on rare occasions, to backpedal, but it's best to break the habit, save the excuses.

Listen to what the observer(s) and more experienced official(s) are saying.

Don't become a HMO!!

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

HMO.... ???

High
Maintenance
Official

HMO is an official who is viewed as someone who will not; or refuse to accept reasonable advice.

An official who is told about the samething over; over again to correct.

A waste of time try to educate

Rookie official in our association fractured BOTH WRISTS backpedaling in his first season (2 years ago). Just lost his footing and fell backwards and tried to catch himself. Both wrists in casts for 6 weeks. Needless to say, we stress against it.

Stop and think about the things you can't do with two casts on your arms.:(

Two years ago I was watching a JV game in which one of the officials was backpedaling every time down the court. At one point there was a fast break and in his hurried state he backpedaled over the coaches foot. Without any chance to brace himself, he fell right on the back of his head splitting it open.

Regardless of how good of an official you are, backpedaling, like Mick points out, looks funny, and is usually an automatic "no" for most observers ( like bird-dogging all the time, or wearing a belt or a collared shirt). One of the fastest ways to move up the ranks is to polish your appearance, meaning not only what you wear but how you move and carry yourself.

To see what everyone else is talking about, get some game footage and watch yourself backpedal. I would be willing to bet that you won't do it anymore.

When I see anyone back pedal, it gives them a label of inexperience in my eyes. Someone mentioned the same as wearing white socks and I agree. Swing wide and turn your head and remember you have one or two other guys out there with you.

Breathe, BZ, slowly, BZ.. Get to your quiet place...

What about standing at the free throw line and tossing the ball back to the endline when going the length of the court?

What experience level is that?

I have seen experience officials backpedal. Please label correctly.

If there is a possible steal.. but neather team has control I start a back pedal, and ad soon as control is established and I know its coming I'm turned around an bolting.

I'm asuming thats ok?? right??

If you're walking backwards, that's okay. If you're running, not so much.

Survey says: X

Never want to back pedal, well unless you just drained a 20 ft jumper with two defenders flying at you. It's totally understandable for players, looks & feels good too :D
But officials should never run backwards!

In transition from old T to new lead (2 person) I use the side step method for a few strides before shifting forward.

Excelent family fued referance. LOL


Duely noted, and I will incorporate into mechanics imediatly.

This is the only time you should backpedal.

http://www.momswhothink.com/forums/i...ckpedalmh4.gif

What are the five correctable errors?

reference
excellent
feud
duly
immediately

:D

I really wish I could get this spell check to work.

Where's Brandan when you need him? I believe he broke his wrist while backpedaling as well.

No backpedaling was emphasised to me because my first games were in a gym with a carpeted floor. It's easy enough to catch a foot on carpet and go down when running forward. Backpedaling on carpet is almost a guaranteed bad experience.

I watched a soccer player do the same thing while running ladders in the gym (early season workout, still too much snow on the field to go outside). He broke his wrist as well. Come to think of it, I never really liked that kid. So it didn't hurt my feelings any that I took his starting spot because of it. :D

I do the same that you do, backpedal sometimes to get that open. I happen to very flexible and look over my shoulder as well. But yah, I like the back pedal in that situation especially when there is a quick pass and crash you are already open to officiate that play. Like in NCAAREFS post I don't recommend it when I evaluate new officials. I don't downgrade because i do it. Like in someone else's post, one day we will stumble and attention will be on us. I have hit a couple walls as well. :)

Tisk, tisk. Everyone was united and telling the OP the same thing until this. Unfortunately, the OP could view this as someone who is in support of what he/she does wrong.
Backpedaling has the potential for injury
Backpedaling doesn't really have an advantage to see more plays
Backpedaling will cause you to get graded down

It sure sounds like backpedaling is the thing to do to me!

Dang, I backpeddled a couple times last night. Consider it stopped...another thing learned here!

I know I'm late to the party on this, but yeah, uhm, don't do that.

Hopefully, phansen can count votes!

Had a fellow official do it at a camp where games were going on two courts about 5 feet apart, player went for a loose ball slid into his court and took him out...the first thing to hit the floor was the back of his head. Skull fracture, brain swelling, surgery, and a week in ICU followed. It was six months before he could go back to his regular job and over a year before he reffed again.

I'll bet he doesn't back pedal any more.

The problem isn't necessarily that you're more likely to fall (even though I think it's true) or that your less able to see where you're going (even though I think that's true as well). The problem is if you do fall, your ability to catch yourself is severely compromised. What happens if you lose balance just as you're heading across the baseline into lead position? You're going into the wall head first and will be lucky if a week of ICU is all you get.

Why would you doubt that he could? Does he live in Florida?

Yea, and then how would you finish your game? Now the kids don't have their full compliment of officials. STOP BACK PEDALING FOR THE KIDS!! It's for the kids, Man!!

I think you meant to say "full complement of officials." The words "compliment" and "officials" are not often found in the same sentence. ;)

Physics
 

I guess I am failing to see something: Someone is backpedaling and trips over someone/something/a line because he/she can't see where he/she is running. How is running forward but turning back to watch play going to keep you from tripping/running over someone/something on the court? If you are truly looking back at the play you can't see where you are going. And, unless you are completely wide (running the line on the sideline), when running and looking backwards you cannot see the whole court. And, if you are running the sidelines, I think you stand a better chance of colliding with the coach who is usually right on the sideline. I am not advocating running backwards, but, I'd like to find who made the rule and the reasoning behind this makes a ref look less professional. Having done both, I can most certainly see much more of the court backpedaling vs turning and running.

That should be the only post needed to tell anyone how stupid backpedaling is.

Can you run faster running forward or backpedaling?

Can you get out of a player's way more easily if you're running forward or back pedaling?

Can you turn your head more easily and see where you're going if your running forward or backpedaling?

Can you more easily catch yourself if you stumble if you're running forward or backpedaling?

If you can see the positives from running forward by answering those 4 questions, then you're damn sure missing something.

This is great but add one last one...

When running down the floor and end up running into a coach, player, or cheerleader...Can you recover better hiiting them going forward or by back pedaling?

It's simple, really. If you trip running backwards, your odds of a head injury go up exponentially because you can't catch yourself. If you trip with just your head turned, you might break an arm or something catching yourself, but at least you'll still recognize your family when it's over.

My final take. If you don't understant why, then take the vast experience here on this board to heart, and avoid it for that reason.

Multiple posts have mentioned balance. [Running backwards and tripping vs. running forward and tripping.] Think about it.

1. I cant run fast forwards or backpedaling.
2. Running forward. But refer to #1.
3. If I turn my head to see where I am going I take my eye off the play.
4. If I fall when backpedaling or running I wont catch myself, the floor will.

I just find it interesting that "backpedaling" is deemed inappropriate behavior for a ref when you can see so much more of the court backpedaling vs running. I would think the answer would be more situational. But, as this forum shows, sometimes its more important to impress other refs than our employers, the schools. Rock on!

Balance
 

Can't argue the balance point. I was referring to the "inexperienced" or "amateur" ref tag given to backpedaling. I can see more of the court backpedaling and do it on occasion, esp on a fast break and I am lead with play moving up my sideline. I can't see the play well enough by running up the court and turning back to see. Maybe I need some neck flexibility stretches.

The answer is to get wider. It's not about "impressing your employers" verses impressing the other refs. It's about safety, and best practices learned from years of hard experiences and moments of really bad experiences.

Cute, but beside the point. The point is, would you rather the floor catch the back of your head or your arms?

Get wider
 

I don't disagree with this. It just seems that as I "get wider" I get into the coaches who like to roam the outside boundaries of the coaches boxes. I have fallen twice and both times were collisions with coaches. And, I appreciate your comments about safety. I take certain exception to the professionalism knocks.

I guess it does take some practice, ...like when the best quarterback in the neighborhood make you "Go long" on every play. :)

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.??

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

.

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.

It is not about needing to be spelled out, it is the fact that I do not agree with it (and there is nothing wrong with that). And I do not agree with it because I think you to achieve it, you have to sacrifice other things. Basketball is a fluid game that moves constantly and might go from one end of the court to the other very quickly. I do not think most of us are going to beat a 15-18 year old even with the best intentions unless we do not close down and just started heading to the end line before the ball is rebounded. On a steal on the perimeter I do not see how we have a chance.

Peace

The bold is what I mean by s p e l l i n g it out.
If anyone has "read" what I actually typed they would've seen:

1. Not saying I get there everytime
2. Of course, there are some situations where it just wont happen ie: quick steal going the other way.
3. FTR, the "endline before division line" technique includes closing down prior & not bailing out.

I already addressed those things prior, but you still bring up those topics several posts later.

No biggie though, me arguing a point around here is equal to Bearfanmike20 & yourself entering a spelling bee. j/k :eek: :eek:

I honestly do not see why you are being so defensive. I just disagreed with your point of view. That is it. I guess this is something you will never understand about this forum is that people have the right to disagree with anything you say at any time. If it was not that big of a deal you would have took it in the spirit in which my comments were made. I just said it was hard to do, not that it could not ever be achieved.

And I love how people do not know the difference between spelling and typing. Typing is something we are doing here. I am a relatively fast at typing, but I am not always as accurate. Then again I am old enough to have gone to school and it was required to take a typing course in order to graduate. I am sure you will be offended by that statement too. :rolleyes:

Peace

Nope, because in order for me to "be offended by that statement too" implies that I was offended in the first place. :D

Just having a good time & great season so far... you're obviously the man, I'm just trying to get better!

While it certainly is hustling to be to the endline before the ball crosses the division line, but is it taking oneself out of a useful position just for the sake of hustle? What if there's a quick steal going back the other way? What if the D puts on a press? I prefer to pause to see if I'm going to be needed (if more than 2 defenders hang back to pressure the ball), then go down with the first wave of defenders. Perhaps that's "lazy" but I think it's smart. And I still get high marks for hustle.

It works for me. :)

Which is the perspective I was talking about. ;)

If you are just trying to get better, than you would take advice and go on about your business. I probably go to more camps than you do every year and take more instruction now than I did when I first started. I am just telling you something that I have learned over a decade of working games. Thank you for reminding me to not make the same mistake the next time and try to help you out. You already know everything.

Peace

Ohh my, people why do we dig so deep? Could those be signs of an OOO?
Around here people ask questions & sometimes they get an answer, I just decided to chime in with an answer and solution. Here is what really happened.


OP: is it ok to run backwards?

Majority of the board: No & here's why...

Me: No & here is something you can do to help eliminate the bad habit

Let the spelling out begin, I didn't mean everytime down the court (which I've said several times now) Good thing "reading comprehension" has nothing to do with calling ball!
1. Of course if the press is on stay & help your partner
2. If there is a quick steal you wont make it
3. Please close down, R & R prior to hustling to new L

Other than that, get yourself to the endline & stop running backwards, chasing plays & calling out of your PCA because you weren't where you should've been. Example: New L calling a touch foul above the FT line extended because he/she wasn't on the endline watching the footers push & shove each other.

Hope this helps to understand my intent & where I was coming from.

Hardly even true JRut, I set different goals & learn something new each & every night.

So do I and what is your point? :rolleyes: When I perfect this game, I need to quit immediately.

BTW, I go to a camp that is run by Tommy O'Neill and I have never heard him say a word about this. I have also the last two years gone to Dale Kelley's camp which most of the Men's NCAA Tournament Officials come from his staff. And many staff members work the Kelley's Camps as clinicians. I can literally turn on the TV on a nightly basis and see one of his staff clinicians working D-1 Games on national TV. I have never heard one of those officials practice or teach such a technique. You do not have to listen to me at all. Hey, go ahead and only listen to Verne. :D

Peace

<Whew> It's tough to communicate with you. :confused:
Let me break it down.


Per your post: You already know everything.

My retort: Hardly even true JRut, I set different goals & learn something new each & every night.

I disagree with you, I don't know everything. That's my point. Comprende?



How many Final Fours in the past how many years?