Correct Position for Lead

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by mick

Assuming you are writing about 2-whistle, it depends on the number of players and the action on Trail's side.

In short, if the floor is balanced with players evenly spread on the court, go to the free throw lane extended, off the endline.
If Trail has a majority of players, go to the Trail's free throw lane extended, off the endline, but turn your body toward the action in the lane. Turning your body will help you stay in your primary as well as indicate, to Trail, that you still have the paint, but you are there if he needs you. This is called *strong-side officiating*.

I was discouraged from coming across in my first few years of officiating, and that was good advice. It was better not to have to worry about where I should be when I was learning what was a foul and what was a violation.

I think folks should regard strong-side officiating (and maybe even "pinching the paint") as advanced mechanics.

[shishstripes]

If the ball has settled there is nothing wrong with the lead coming over (flexing) to the T's side and turning towards the lane to watch the post play only. But be ready to bust back over to your side of the court, especially on a small court like the one's we have here (about 40 feet wide).

If I don't come across, I usually stay near the lane with my body turned to observe my primary. When the ball is on my side, I move out as far as the ball.

Either way, if you are watching off the ball you shouldn't have to worry about calling something in T's area unless you have to get an obvious call off the ball.