L in Three-Person "Reaching Across the Lane"???

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Freddy

. . . the L in three-man has the frequent tendency to "reach across the lane" to call illegal contact fouls on the players defending shooters who come into the lane opposite L's area.

Thanks for your feedback on this.
I've invested the past week or so studying this issue, reviewing tape, observing games, and I've come to the same conclusion many of you mentioned.
#1 - The best would be if L had time and took the initiative to rotate to get a good angle to be able to "get the slot" and adequately officiate this play
#2 - When the drive from the top takes place so quickly that L doesn't have time to rotate, it's best if C close down and take this call, being careful that he doesn't get straightlined himself.
#3 - Having analyzed dozens of plays like this, the accuracy rate is pitifully low when L makes this call across the lane in C's area. Block/charge situations are a little different because, while C has been following the dribbler in his area from the top of the lane and may not have the best look at the defender low in the lane setting up to take a charge, the observant R can detect this more readily in order to make an accurate judgment on block/charge.
#4 - Some C's have to break the mindset that they can be lazy while "in the saddle, because, after all, the ball's not in my area". C has got to be diligent to close down on this quick play and officiate the contact that may/may not occur low in the lane in his area.
#5 - L's who don't "pinch the paint" when the ball goes to the middle out top of the lane put themselves at a disadvantage because they can't possibly effect a timely rotation from a wider position to officiate this play well from a new L position with the slot in front of them.

Continued feedback is always appreciated, but I think the comments of many and the actual game scenerios I've seen and studied this week pretty much lead to the conclusion of the majority here.

Thanx again.

[Ignats75]

If the ball has entered the post/block area on the weak side, my nly question is why the L hadn't rotated? Unless the ball came in from a unusual route, the L should've already pinched down when the ball went weak side high and be ready to rotate if it came down lower than the foul line.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by Ignats75

If the ball has entered the post/block area on the weak side, my nly question is why the L hadn't rotated? Unless the ball came in from a unusual route, the L should've already pinched down when the ball went weak side high and be ready to rotate if it came down lower than the foul line.

Exactly. Once the ball goes away from my side of the court as the L, I'm closed down and looking for an opportunity to rotate over. It's the official who stays wide angle that is screwed because there's no time to close down and then get across, so most times that official just stays on the wrong side of the court.

[Scuba_ref]

I have been discussing this topic with some officials I work with and we have noticed that:

Some officials pinch and then hesitate too long to rotate. This leaves them in the position of having nothing to watch but the action that is occurring across the paint.

[Raymond]

Originally Posted by Freddy

...
#5 - L's who don't "pinch the paint" when the ball goes to the middle out top of the lane put themselves at a disadvantage because they can't possibly effect a timely rotation from a wider position to officiate this play well from a new L position with the slot in front of them.
...

I hate it when I work with a partner who doesn't pinch the paint when the ball is weakside. He's no help if there is a quick drive to the hole.