PRE-Game Conference

Alright how many of you guys actually have a good pre-game conference with your partner(s) before the game?

And those of you who do what do you talk about? Do you have a check-list you use, do you use a board to go over situations that may occur.

What are the MOST important things you ALWAYS pre-game? (Block/Charge, Communications....)

I am trying to improve my pre-game with my partners. Thanks for your thoughts

[M&M Guy]

I try to ALWAYS have a pre-game. The higher the level, the more likely it's required by the assignor or supervisor, but it is just as important in the lower levels.

As far as the type of pre-game, that will differ between levels, and will change over the course of the season. For example, in a higher level game we might discuss the teams' records, their offensive and defensive tendencies, and perhaps who are the "problem" players. At a lower level, it might be a discussion about what type of contact will we allow, or how we will switch on fouls. Also, in either case, at the beginning of the season we will discus any new rule changes or POE's, but by the end of the season we won't go over those as much as we will discuss different plays and how they were/are/should be handled.

For me, one constant at any level is communication. Whether it is official/official, official/player, official/table, or official/coaches, if communication is good all the way around, the game seems to go much smoother.

If you search below, you might also find some older threads on pre-games.

[bc7]

As a first year official, I found that the partners that I had that had a thorough pre-game were much easier to work with. I worked with some guys who would honestly just ask how I was doing, and and then head out to the floor. Others would go over a checklist, and talk about positioning while demonstrating on a clip board.

I always try to discuss the essentials (double whistles, technical foul situations, etc. etc.) with my partner. It seems like something usual will happen if we didn't discuss it pre-game.

[PIAA REF]

I think having a good pregame is crutial. I think it helps clear your mind of everything else that may be going on in your life and gets you focused on what you need to do at that given time. I ususally create or modify my pregame every year slightly. I go over the basics like was mentioned in previous post, Court coverage, double whistles, game administration, ect. I also depending on whom I am with may get the magnet board out and go over a play or 2 if I feel it is needed. I like going over the drive to the basket from center when a secondary defender steps in for a block/charge situation. I like to talk about who should have that whistle. I like to limit double whistles to as little as possible. I also will go over having center bring in subs when we are in transition. I like to get myself and my partners minds into the game before we hit the floor.

[BubbaRef]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

I try to ALWAYS have a pre-game. The higher the level, the more likely it's required by the assignor or supervisor, but it is just as important in the lower levels.

As far as the type of pre-game, that will differ between levels, and will change over the course of the season. For example, in a higher level game we might discuss the teams' records, their offensive and defensive tendencies, and perhaps who are the "problem" players. At a lower level, it might be a discussion about what type of contact will we allow, or how we will switch on fouls. Also, in either case, at the beginning of the season we will discus any new rule changes or POE's, but by the end of the season we won't go over those as much as we will discuss different plays and how they were/are/should be handled.

For me, one constant at any level is communication. Whether it is official/official, official/player, official/table, or official/coaches, if communication is good all the way around, the game seems to go much smoother.

If you search below, you might also find some older threads on pre-games.

How's come the 2 games we worked together we didnt have any pre-game?

[M&M Guy]

Well, if you've been lurking here long enough, you know the meaning of the following:

Shut up.

[BubbaRef]

Originally Posted by M&M Guy

Well, if you've been lurking here long enough, you know the meaning of the following:

Shut up.

I'm just here to stir the pot like GNN would..

[grunewar]

Pre-games were emphasized by our Association this year. I work mostly sub-V and always arrive early and try to do a pre-game......if my partner arrives in time.

I have a checklist/list of topics and paragraphs that I read and then, if my partner gives a crap, we'll discuss them in detail. I've had some interesting conversations with some of my better partners this year and it really helps me understand their philosophy before we take the court. Plus, I learn a bunch.

I've also learned to discuss the action at half-time and post-game. For me, these are usually self-critiques - I didn't like my angle here, I missed a travel there, what did you think of this call, what's your opinion on this action, etc? And, if my partners done something really good or made what I believe to be a great call I especially like to acknowledge it too

When I get a chance to sit in a V pre-game or half-time I find it very interesting and listen closely and learn. Some have involved me in their talks and asked my opinion or what I saw (I've caught some good ones).

If my partner is really late the most important thing I will relay - communications! Keep good eye contact with me and never put the ball in play unless I can see you and know its coming.

[JBleach85]

I try to always do a pre-game with my partner before a game at the Freshman or JV level. Normally those game you have enough time before game time to do a few thing to make sure you are both on the same page. When I do JV games I always try to do a pre-game. Even if I am doing two games before that and I am switching partners for the JV game I will try to do it either before we come out onto the floor, or even taking about 3 to 5 minutes while standing out on the floor talking. I found this to be very benificial when teams don't come out until like 11 minutes until game time. It gives me a chance to talk to my partner and allows us to see what match-ups we might have if either of us has had either team before.

There was only one time I was unable to do a pregame and that was because my partner showed up 10 minutes before game time and we really didn't have a chance to do it. That game was actually a good game, we worked before so we knew each others tendencies but still having a pre-game makes a difference no matter what type of game you have.

I'm out,
JB

[IREFU2]

Originally Posted by mattk

Alright how many of you guys actually have a good pre-game conference with your partner(s) before the game?

And those of you who do what do you talk about? Do you have a check-list you use, do you use a board to go over situations that may occur.

What are the MOST important things you ALWAYS pre-game? (Block/Charge, Communications....)

I am trying to improve my pre-game with my partners. Thanks for your thoughts

I always have one as well. We go into change at the start of the 4th quarter and talk about plays as well as a script that I go by. I also have a quick on with the table crew while I am checking the book.