Closely Guarded Count by the Lead

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

JRut,
I basically agree with your statements. But, let's say an entry pass has just been made into the post who is on the low block. If there are eight players on the ball side, doesn't this put two sets of eyes on the two players on the block and zero on the other six?

If the ball is on the low block, chances are other players are going there too. I have also very seldom seen a single 5 second call on the low block either. Either the ball is going to the basket or they ball is going to be passed away. And if the ball is dribbled away from the post and there is still a count, you want to take the Lead away from watching the post (where other players are located) to continue a count? That is why I feel having the lead count is stupid.

Originally Posted by CMHCoachNRef

My main varsity crew follows your mechanic EXCEPT when the ball is literally in the low post (the situation I described). In this case -- and only in this case -- the Lead takes the count.

That is fine, but the Lead needs to concentrate on the contact, not whether if they are closely guarded. Let the Trail or Center take care of that. This is not Women's college basketball or the NBA where a count only applies in a very small percentage of situations. I would never advocate such a mechanic and think that you are weakening the crew by having the lead take care of something that other officials on the crew can do. And if you think (not you personally, anyone in general) you cannot ever have more than two sets of eyes on the basketball player, then you are not aware of how the entire mechanic works. Just my opinion of course.

Peace