Transition to one-on-one

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by bainsey

You're the T (two man). There's a quick steal near the division line, and we're going the other way, one on one, with you as the L.

Do you...
*Sprint to the end-line right away, regardless of where the players are?
*Hang back a bit until the layup?
*Let your eyes determine your spot on the floor?

Move to improve.

[DLH17]

I'd have to say "hustle to the end line". I've yet to hear anyone complain about an official that is always hustling.

One exception, though. If the transition occurs on my side and the ball handler is directly in front of or moving directly up the court towards me at a quick rate, I hold my position oob and let the player(s) move up the court. Then, I sprint to catch up and/or get to the end line - maintaining a good angle - for the finish in the paint.

[Jurassic Referee]

Originally Posted by 26 Year Gap

Move to improve.

Aka move to get into position to see the separation between the dribbler and the defender. Usually the absolute worse thing that you can do is sprint. All that does is usually get you straight-lined. I don't care how fast you think you are, you are not going to get to the endline and then get across it to get a good look at any contact.

[just another ref]

Originally Posted by jurassic referee

aka move to get into position to see the separation between the dribbler and the defender. Usually the absolute worse thing that you can do is sprint. All that does is usually get you straight-lined. I don't care how fast you think you are, you are not going to get to the endline and then get across it to get a good look at any contact.

+1

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Aka move to get into position to see the separation between the dribbler and the defender. Usually the absolute worse thing that you can do is sprint. All that does is usually get you straight-lined. I don't care how fast you think you are, you are not going to get to the endline and then get across it to get a good look at any contact.

Exactly what I meant. I used to try to beat everyone down the court, and usually I could. But I found that often my angle was not great. Nobody is impressed that I am faster than kids on a fast break. So, if I am going to get beat, I am going to have the best angle I can on the play, which may be 10 feet to the side of the dribbler and defender which allows me to see any contact. Once that play has finished, I can get to my lead position outside the end line. I don't want to rely on a T or C at mid-court to see contact I couldn't see because I straight-lined myself.

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by jurassic referee

aka move to get into position to see the separation between the dribbler and the defender. Usually the absolute worse thing that you can do is sprint. All that does is usually get you straight-lined. I don't care how fast you think you are, you are not going to get to the endline and then get across it to get a good look at any contact.

+2

[Mregor]

Originally Posted by Jurassic Referee

Aka move to get into position to see the separation between the dribbler and the defender. Usually the absolute worse thing that you can do is sprint. All that does is usually get you straight-lined. I don't care how fast you think you are, you are not going to get to the endline and then get across it to get a good look at any contact.

This is the correct answer, IMO. I'll add that the best angle is normally a button hook towards the middle of the court to get a view of the separation. When the steal initially happens, I find it best to stay put and pivot to prevent running in to a player. From there, I'll move to get an angle which is most likely towards the middle fo the court so you can see the separation or lack thereof.