Where is your focus?

[Rufus]

This actually came up during our pre-season scrimmages and our more senior folks advised us to not watch the ball (they called it being a fan instead of an official). I agree that you can't completely block out the path of the ball for the reasons already stated (e.g., hits a support wire, goes over the backboard, etc.), but we only work 2-man in sub-varsity here. The chance of there being an above-the-rim play or something funky happening with the ball/support is minimal so it's easier to concentrate on post play. I've taken this approach been able to effectively watch the post play so far this season.

Of course I'm working a 7th grade game tonight and will probably have something happen with the ball and a basket support. Thank goodness for pre-game meetings!