Off ball coverage

[walter]

A tip I was given at a couple of camps and has been very helpful to me in two person and three person is to learn to identify the competitive matchups in your primary area of coverage. Of course this assumes two things, one is that you know what a competitive matchup is and the other is that you know what your primary coverage areas are. This helps you stay focused especially off ball. Use peripheral vision to know where the ball and your partner(s) are at all times. Keep a wide focus and see the floor but concentrate on your primary. Shadowing is great in scrimmage situations if the shadower knows what he or she is doing. The thing I alwys try to teach newer officials is primary coverage areas and to let the ball go once it leaves. Know where it is but trust your partner to pick it up.