Starting the clock mechanic

[packersowner]

I used to be really good at starting the clock and going from the 12 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock (so to speak). However, I have found myself recently starting the clock out to the side of my body especially when I feel the table may not be able to see my arm. In other words, instead of starting the clock in front of my body, I will go from 12 to 9.

With that said, looking for opinions on starting the clock properly. Also, do you have a closed fist, two fingers out, 1 finger, or use your whole hand.

Seems like there are lots of variations between junior high and the NBA. Looking for a good high school or college standard to follow here.

[JRutledge]

Honestly, there is no standard that everyone agrees with or even suggests at least at the HS level. I do not even know of one at the college level, at least on the Men's side. This is just one of those personal things that is about style and personal look.

I personally only go from 12 to 3/4 and close my fist. Never been told to do anything different and I like how it looks for me.

Peace

[tomegun]

I probably go to 10/2 o'clock and have one finger out. Like Rut said, there really isn't a standard; find something that works for you.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Honestly, there is no standard that everyone agrees with or even suggests at least at the HS level. I do not even know of one at the college level, at least on the Men's side. This is just one of those personal things that is about style and personal look.
I personally only go from 12 to 3/4 and close my fist. Never been told to do anything different and I like how it looks for me.
Peace

There is a standard that many, except in states that are different, agree with and a standard that is suggested at the HS level -- the standard that our state asks of us, here in the land across the lake from Rut. It's not just one of those personal things that is about style and personal look, rather it is that of the Fed, which is what was first suggested in post #1: five fingers from 12 to 6, ala the faceless Mr. Pictograph guy #1. Fist bumps (said to be a college mechanic) and finger points are corrected to this standard at state camps.
Disclaimer: keep in mind not all states use NFHS mechanics from the Officials' Manual. Ours, and many others just happen to.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Freddy

There is a standard that many, except in states that are different, agree with and a standard that is suggested at the HS level -- the standard that our state asks of us, here in the land across the lake from Rut. It's not just one of those personal things that is about style and personal look, rather it is that of the Fed, which is what was first suggested in post #1: five fingers from 12 to 6, ala the faceless Mr. Pictograph guy #1. Fist bumps (said to be a college mechanic) and finger points are corrected to this standard at state camps.
Disclaimer: keep in mind not all states use NFHS mechanics from the Officials' Manual. Ours, and many others just happen to.

Even if there is a picture in a book, I have never seen anyone require or ask anyone to be that robotic or emulate a picture to the letter. We did not do that even when our state followed NF Mechanics. Maybe there are places that require this, but then they have too much time on their hands or nothing better to worry about as there are so many things no mechanics book covers and I would worry about those things as those things will help you get plays right.

Peace

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

Even if there is a picture in a book, I have never seen anyone require or ask anyone to be that robotic or emulate a picture to the letter. We did not do that even when our state followed NF Mechanics. Maybe there are places that require this, but then they have too much time on their hands or nothing better to worry about as there are so many things no mechanics book covers and I would worry about those things as those things will help you get plays right. Peace

Your stance on mechanics matters such as these is well known. And I don't necessary disagree with it being that way over there.
But gee, Rut, denigrating what other states do and why they do it ("robotic...emulate a picture...too much time on their hands...nothing better to worry about...") =
Aw, forget it.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Freddy

Your stance on mechanics matters such as these is well known. And I don't necessary disagree with it being that way over there.
But gee, Rut, denigrating what other states do and why they do it ("robotic...emulate a picture...too much time on their hands...nothing better to worry about...") =
Aw, forget it.

Not sure why you are so sensitive about it? You mentioned me in your post, I did not say anything about what others did in my original comments.

I have just never heard anyone care about something like this as you stated. Of course you will have people at camps tweak a mechanic or hand position, but not to the extent they follow the picture. I saw a guy yesterday in the prelim game give a hand check signal above his head, so that would get changed if that guy went to a camp I am sure. Actually the pictures have changed over the years and I almost never see a single official signal a bonus foul for example with hands straight across in the "Jesus" pose. Or I hardly ever see a "blocking" signal given with out "fists" at the bottom. I am sure there are officials or clinicians that worry about those things, but it is not that common. And if I am reading some of the other responses, I do not seem to be alone. And the places where people are making comments are certainly not from my state or region of the country. Not sure why saying that would upset you? Then again I guess we just have a different focus on what officiating is I guess.

Peace

[Adam]

I have never gone from 12 to 6, and it's never been brought up even in the harshest of critiques. I do about 12-9 with a fist.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Freddy

There is a standard that many, except in states that are different, agree with and a standard that is suggested at the HS level -- the standard that our state asks of us, here in the land across the lake from Rut. It's not just one of those personal things that is about style and personal look, rather it is that of the Fed, which is what was first suggested in post #1: five fingers from 12 to 6, ala the faceless Mr. Pictograph guy #1. Fist bumps (said to be a college mechanic) and finger points are corrected to this standard at state camps.
Disclaimer: keep in mind not all states use NFHS mechanics from the Officials' Manual. Ours, and many others just happen to.

I've lived in places like this. Your judgment can be crap as long as you give perfect signals and imitate the pictures in the mechanics manual.

I'd rather spend camp time learning how to get more calls right.

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I've lived in places like this. Your judgment can be crap as long as you give perfect signals and imitate the pictures in the mechanics manual.

That's either exaggeration for the sake of illustration, or a place I've never been before.

Originally Posted by RichMSN

I'd rather spend camp time learning how to get more calls right.

So, spending camp time learning how to get more calls right while using standard, accepted mechanics would be okay, right?
The two need not be mutually exclusive.

[JRutledge]

Something tells me Packerowner is in deep depression and I am sure he does not care about this topic anymore.

Peace

[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by Freddy

The two need not be mutually exclusive.

Agree.