Running the end line
 

Is it just me, or do players not take enough advantage of running the end line?

More often than not, when I become the new T on a BCELTI, and the thrower-in has the end line to run AND defensive pressure, his/her feet still remain stationary. Even after a time-out, when I specifically inform the thrower-in he/she has the end line, they still stay still, and sometimes lean to look for an open teammate.

Any thoughts?

Most plays on inbounding the ball and breaking the press are built around screening and movement of the players on the court. Properly executed, this will do the trick, and it is easier for the thrower to be accurate while stationary.

I think it's just not practiced and coached. So, when given the opportunity, while it seems rather simple, players just don't take advantage of it, because they haven't practiced it or been taught plays or actions while moving outside the court.

Like jar said, there's much more to properly executing an in-bounds play than being able to run the end line. So while it can be to the team's advantage, it's not nearly as important as you're making it out to be.

I tend to agree that it's an under utilized right for throw ins.

Some teams are better coached than others.

Exactly. You see this more on TV than in high school for that exact reason.

Of course, it can backfire. Key moment during an NCAA tournament game last year (can't remember which one), coming out of a media timeout with a backcourt throw-in and defensive pressure, the thrower forgot it was a spot throw-in and violated. Oops.

Best part was the official who hesitated before he realized what had just happened. His body language was like, "hey, wait a minute, was there a made bask......nope, no there wasn't [insert belated staccato whistle here]!"

I always inform players they can run the end line when I'm handing them the ball on such a throw-in. I think I see players actually run only once or twice a year. Since I do a greater share of low-level games than other forum contributors, I also see players try to run the end line on a designated-spot throw-in on a pretty frequent basis. This year, I've yet to see a player run the end line on a throw-in where they can do that. By contrast, I've had a violation for leaving the designated spot twice this year.

On the endline I always tell them what they can do either way. It certainly does not mean they know the rules or know what the rules entail.

Peace

Soon To Be Published ...
 

IAABO mechanics require us to tell, and signal, both when the player can, and can't, run the endline on all backcourt endline throwins.

I suggest that rookie officials be careful regarding exactly what they say:

Things Officials Should Probably Not Be Saying In A Game

"Don't move”, said to an inbounding player, by an official, before a designated spot throw-in, is another statement that should probably go unsaid. According to the rules, that player can move laterally within a three foot wide area, can jump up, and can move as far back as time, and space, will allow. Better statement: “Designated spot”, while pointing to the spot.

I usually tell the thrower when the throw-in is a designated spot throw, but I should be doing it more. When I do, I typically say "on the spot".

Sometimes I say this on the sideline but the only time you really should do it is for backcourt endline throw-ins. Every other location is a spot throw regardless. I say "spot throw" versus "you can run" on any endline throw-in however, just as preventative officiating.

I've used the following:
1. "Hold your spot."
2. "Stay in this spot."
3. "You have the whole endline."
4. "You may run."

What I will not say is, "Don't run" or "You can't run" as I've found that these can easily be misheard and cause a player to violate.

"You can run", "Spot". Those 2 phrases clearly convey what the thrower-in can do, and neither has ever caused confusion in any game I've worked.

Question: Doesn't the book also say that you should notify the defense?

I tell the inbounder, and then give a signal for all to see (including the videotape)