Correct Position for Lead
 

Sorry, but I do not have an official's manual...When lead, where is the best place to set up when the ball is on the Trail's side? I've been told, since he has the ball clear to the endline, that I should vacate the paint and hang around well to my side, so I'm not tempted to call one in his area, down low. Your views on that are appreciated....

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.

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.

Self-discipline of focusing on your own PCA will better help you.

agreed. I found the first step to not looking into someone else's PCA is to not call what you think you see when you are looking.

Thanks for all of the comments...Snaqwells, I agree with what you're saying, but I am trying to determine what my PCA is--as lead. I believe the Trail has his side all the way to the endline and to the paint, and above the key on the arc to the free throw line extended....I have the square formed from the Key (or paint) to my sideline and out to the free throw line extended. Correct? I can therefore avoid his PCA which is obviously very near mine (the junction of the endline and the key on his side.) I am not sure how well I described those areas, and I hope they work....Thanks again for the help....

Bishopcolle saying thanks to all responses....I actually followed up and did what I should have done in the first place and SEARCHED previous threads...found some good ones that addressed Ball Side Mechanics and showed diagrams etc. I see that the topic is really split on when or if to shift ball side, but I learned a lot from all comments...thanks again, Bishopcolle