3 man mechanics
 

What is meant by "flex" in 3 man mechanics. Is this reference to rotating when a certain action takes place or what?

I am not sure, but people used to use that term to signify a rotation, but that was awhile ago when I heard that kind of usage to describe a rotation.

Peace

It may mean other things, but this is what I learned. In the 3 man we were first taught, there was no rotation. The C was always opposite the table. In what I know as the flex, the lead moves across the lane, and the C and T adjust accordingly.

That's a good memory -- that must've been, what, 20 years ago? :D

Guys, be very careful here. You cannot be smug at all. Someone might be offended because you have not heard the term in a very long time. :D

Peace

Same terminology I was taught 4 years ago.

I was making a little joke about Louisiana 3-man mechanics which, until very recently, was firmly rooted in the mid-1990s. I figured it would go over a few heads.

That's Why It's Called The Land Of Steady Habits ...
 

Better than Connecticut. Our present two person mechanics are firmly rooted in the mid-1890's. And that's no joke.

I have always heard the term flex used to describe those situations where the C forces the rotation, rather than rotation being initiated by the L. You know, the high trap on C's sideline and C has to go up and take that, so the L rotates over.

Maybe the person should have asked, "What do you mean by flexing?"

That might have helped them know what this person was talking about. And it would have made sure that either he/she know to not flex or say, "Why would we not flex?"

Problem solved instead of getting upset by the answers you get here on this board where people have to read the mind of a partner we have never met (yes there is an inside joke here). ;)

Peace

I'm still making up my own mind about this. I'm not sure that for those of us who do 90%+ 2 man, that when we do the occasional 3 man, the old system may be a better system.

The more you do, the more ways you have to screw it up.

Forgive me but what is the "old way?"

Peace

The one that y'all laugh about and roll your eyes, with the "dead C."

Basically, C is always opposite the table. There is no rotation.

Didn't the NBA used to do it that way? I could swear I've seen old broadcasts where the C is always opposite table. If the Lead or Trail (backcourt) comes over during a throw-in they immediately go back tableside.

The great state of Mississippi used this old system as recently as the 2006-07 season. When I went to the first meeting where we were on the court I was blown away by this. Fortunately, they went to the normal 3-man rotation the next season along with a raise up to $75...for two games. Like I said, the great state of Mississippi.

If everybody is on the same page, without a doubt the flex (or whatever else it is called) is a superior system. But if you have a bunch of guys who have called only 2 man, some for over 30 years, and now have just a game or two a year 3 man, sometimes less is more. Nothing much worse than being in the lead, crossing over, and neither partner shows any sign of moving. Unless it's being the T, looking over, and the C is closer to the division line than you are.

I thought what we laughed at was the 2 person mechanics where the T and the L could be under the basket and at the center circle? Then again I do not remember, but I just remember someone from the NF saying something about some weird mechanic that no one in the country did but in that one state.

Peace

I think 3-man with no movement is worse than 2-man. You probably end up with 3 guys standing in quicksand and nobody moving to get better angles.

There's a difference in no movement and no rotation. I was assuming each guy would still move within his designated area to get the best angle.

Every system has problems. In the old system some guys thought the T had nothing to do once the ball crossed into the frontcourt.

Well, of course 3-man is better than two, if that's part of the issue. Six eyes watching the ball are always better than just four. :D

I was making the leap that a lot of officials probably didn't move since they knew they weren't rotating across. Clearly that wasn't the case for all officials, but I've seen it even in systems where officials were supposed to rotate. They'd just say something in the pregame like "I don't like rotating too much" and that was code for "I don't rotate, ever."

True, and if they're not gonna rotate, ever, I'd rather they'd tell me in advance than just not do it.

Please don't joke about this. I had a partner last week who called a travel from L across the court six feet in front of the C at the free throw line extended.:eek:

Got it thanks!
 

A few good replies will be shared with my crew tomorrow night during my pregame. Had a young gun ask me. Sat. pm game if we're gonna " flex" . I simply said " Only iif we have to when ball is strong " See I just returned Hawaii to ref after a 5 yr abscence in Guam and Texas. Its good to be home.

What makes you assume that? I see officials all the time in camps not move a single bit. And if they know they are not moving, then I would think more would do just that and stay completely still.

Peace

Are you saying it's okay to stay completely still?

No. Just saying you do not have to advocate this and still see people doing just that while they officiate in 3 or 2 Person for that matter.

Peace

Do not have to advocate what? I didn't know I was advocating anything. I see the need to move in any system.

What are you saying?

That's not the right answer, IMO. The right time to rotate is when you have a better look from doing so. Going ballside when the C is on ball is something L's should do as a matter of course (with some exceptions) unless there's a particularly hot competitive matchup opposite the ball that requires that you stay put.

When all three of the officials aren't hesitant when it comes to rotating and moving to get the best looks -- that's when 3-person officiating is like poetry in motion.

I have never seen 3 man with no rotations, I have seen few rotations, but never none.

We use 3 man for varsity and I like it. C has to work hard to catch off ball stuff, and it is rare, but sometimes it is there.

I believe the screens are better and there are fewer 3 second calls BECAUSE of 3 men crews.

BTW, we call it "PULLING" the lead when C initiates the switch.

I'm a little confused by your response.

I *think* "strong side" means the side with L and T. So, if "ball is strong", then ball side = strongside, so why would you rotate (or "flex" -- and I agree I'd ask what was meant by that term before I answered)?