2ndary defender
 

I think we would all agree that identifying the 2ndary defenders LGP prior to contact is the key to ajudicating block/charge properly.

One on one matchup coming right at you, A1 gets by B1.
What are some principles/red-flags you use as L to help you pickup the defender in a timely manner?

In 3-person, I officiate more by competitive match-ups and less by PCA according to a floor diagram.

I always try to take TWO match-ups.


So if I have the ball in my area, I will be watching the player with the ball and his defender, PLUS the nearest two players whom I think are most likely to become involved (either with a pass, a screen, a trap, etc.)


If I don't have the ball in my primary, I take four players nearest me and observe them for screens, cutting, potential pass receptions, etc.


This change from looking at the areas of the court (PCA) to using competitive match-ups either in my area or near my court area of coverage has working very well for me. The key idea is to not just lock in on one set of players, but to always be aware of the next potential action. I think that this would be the most helpful advice that I could offer in response to your question about picking up a secondary defender attempting to get in position for a charge.

In NFHS, does it really matter whether a defender is primary, secondary, etc.? Isn't it all about LGP, regardless of the defender?

Niiiice! My problem is when A1 (in my area) beats B1 I tend to stay exclusively on that play as if I'm admiring the move. And well, you know what happens after that :mad:
I'll try your methods, appreciate ya Nevada!

Yes, but if you dont pick him up in time, you're guessing & it shows. My question was more about what we do to pick them up.

He is not asking about the rule. He is seeking advice on observing the players in order to make the proper decision.

You have to develop good habits and if you develop those good habits you become successful in a consistent manner. You have to find a way to develop this internal mechanism that tells you that the primary defender can no longer hurt you as much as a secondary defender can and force yourself (your eyes) to get to the rim area, where most secondary defenders head to defend the basket of course. I personally think this is a practice issue. You can't just have something or some tip that will automatically get you to pick up the secondary defender, you just have to practice at it so that you develop the habit.

Makes sense btaylor but after thinking about it more & talking to few buddies, this is not the case here. Since mid-March I have only been working mens wreck & lower level HS tournaments builled as varsity tournaments.

Now that the Pro-AM season has kicked off, I'm seeing bigger, faster players that are much more skilled. Its been a while since I've had challenging plays. I just need a couple more reps & the discipline to get caught up with the speed at this level of play. Tonight I will not get caught up in the nice, quick moves!! I will look to see who could hurt me next.

We're not talking rule book here. We're discussing mechanics and keys to officiating plays.

When you initially set up in the Lead the first thing you need to do is find your post match-up. Then you need to pick up potential secondary defenders who may come into your PCA.

As the Lead you are rarely going to have worry about ball-handlers and quick moves from penetrators. The Trail and Center will 90% of the time have the genesis of that play.

And why is what I said not the case? The reason I said u should develop those habits is exactly set up to referee those bigger faster stronger players. When u referee that kind of athleticism u have to thoroughly prepare yourself more so than any other level. If u don't develop those mechanisms you will be picking up secondary defenders and sometimes you won't even see them coming. When u start picking them up every time is what will make you more consistent and help you get the play right more often and that is the name of our game.