"Play the miss"

[VaTerp]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

A guy I worked with a few nights ago would say this on free throw attempts whenever the attempt could be the final one. I was taught not to say that, because it is a negative comment against the shooter. Do you guys agree?

Also, about 10 years ago, a partner told me during a game that saying, "Wait 'till it hits the rim", while very common and not negative, actually is somewhat inaccurate. Technically, (no pun intended) if the FT attempt hits the backboard first, the players on the lane can go in at that time. I've seen plenty of FTs that hit the backboard, don't hit the rim but go in the basket.

Oh yeah, the guy the other night told me he worked with a guy who said, "Wait 'till it hits that orange-y thingie".

Also oh yeah, I always just announce the number of shots without even saying "shot" or "shots", just the number. Exception - little guy or girl games. I always tell them to "Wait 'till it hits something". I guess that means they can go in if the shooter hits the wall.

I only say the number "1" "2" or "3." That's it.

Only exception is during summer/AAU season when rules may be different. Then near the beginning of the game I may remind them whether or not it's on the "hit" or on the "release."

[Welpe]

At the jr high and frosh levels, I will tell them "Wait 'til it hits." That seems to be well understood.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by Welpe

At the jr high and frosh levels, I will tell them "Wait 'til it hits." That seems to be well understood.

Agree....at those levels a little reminding is proactive, especially early on. I use "let it hit".

At JV & V I just give the number of FT's remaining, although sometimes I wonder - Tues. we had 5 FT violations in a JV boys game for a player on the lane going early....four of those by the team shooting.

[Adam]

4th and 5th grade girls, I'll say "let it hit." Middle school and up, just the number.

As for the OP, I don't care if it sounds negative; that's not why I don't use it.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

I only say the number "1" "2" or "3." That's it.

Only exception is during summer/AAU season when rules may be different. Then near the beginning of the game I may remind them whether or not it's on the "hit" or on the "release."

I was always looking for something to keep the game moving along and I knew FT administration was an area that could bog a game down. Ended up going to a camp a few years ago and the instructor said that players should know at this level [HS] and showing 1, 2 or 3 fingers or the 1&1 while in the lane and vocalizing the number was all that was needed. He said to have your hand display the number of throws sideways so players on both sides of the lane could see how many. I have done it that way ever since. If they enter early, their bad.

[grunewar]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

I only say the number "1" "2" or "3." That's it.

and I keep the same for all levels and ages.

[bainsey]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

I only say the number "1" "2" or "3." That's it.

Or, "1 and 1." Nothing else is needed.

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by VaTerp

I only say the number "1" "2" or "3." That's it.

This is all that I say as well.

Just the other day, I called a lane violation for the first time in 2-3 years.

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Juggling Referee

I called a lane violation for the first time in 2-3 years.

Since they moved the first rebounder up a space, above the block, a few years ago, I think that there have been fewer lane violations.