2 person game that could've used a 3rd

[jkumpire]

0263,

I wear 15EE, and have officiated for a long time. For most of the years I officiated and played, 2 man was it. While it is always nice to have more eyes, and to have the guy cover more ground in these days of better trained players, if you have 2 you can still do a great job.

1. Yes, something happens where we may have to make an ATT call, find an angle on a play, make your call. On a play like this, don't be afraid, to poach into your partner's calling area, if you have the angle to see the play.
2. Work deeper on baseline to get more perspective (if you can). Keep your head on a swivel, so you can get as good a look as you can at both sides of the lane.

In a 2 man, it also helps to really know the game, like where shots tend to go if they are missed, where do the bigs like to set up and how to see the whole play. If you know the game, and hustle, you can see what you have to see to call a great game. IMO, the biggest problems we have to deal with in 2 man these days are the 3 point shot, and the quick run out by the defense. For a lead especially, it is hard to get out on the 3 point line, cover a shot, then also see the rebounding inside.

Then it is getting harder in a 2 man to cover a team that runs the floor a lot. You really have to know how to cover run outs and breaks, sometimes when you are beaten down the floor. It just takes some time and practice to do great 2 man mechanics.