First elbow

[Refsmitty]

Called it last year - this year just seeing the swinging - more so with girls than guys - must be the way they are taught. Have warned so far...

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Refsmitty

Called it last year - this year just seeing the swinging - more so with girls than guys - must be the way they are taught. Have warned so far...

I think we see it more with girls because:

1) Their hands are smaller and weaker, so they can't hold onto the ball as well.

2) They don't jump as high, so they don't secure the rebound "above" the other players.

3) Because of 1 and 2, the team not getting the rebound initially (the defense) takes a swipe at the ball.

4) We as officials do not do a good job of getting the defense off / away from the offense once the ball is secure.

5) To keep the ball, the offense puts the elbows out and pivots. The pivot sometimes turns into a swing.