lock down mechanic

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

There is no right position in NFHS mechanics, though. The opposite official has the last second shot, so who cares if he's the C or the T?

In NCAAW, I get the concept, but I also don't get why the C has the last second shot anyway, even when tableside. Just to be different?

I believe the thought process is they feel the C usually has a better chance of picking up the shot itself when the clock hits 0, rather than the T, who could be on-ball, watching the feet for a travel, watching the primary defender for contact on the arm, watching for the illegal screen to open up the shooter, etc. So having the C handle all last-second shots reduces the chance of the on-ball official also having to add last shot responsibilities.

As far as "locking down", when the C gives the signal at 6 or 7 seconds left, it doesn't prevent the L from coming across the lane if the ball and players dictate, only that the C won't be rotating back, and that they will keep that last shot responsibility.

As far as whether the C is tableside or opposite, I'm not sure why that really matters?