Not Looking at Chains

[mikesears]

Friday night, I am going to be working the Head Linesman position for the first time in a while. I really want to focus on NOT needing to turn and look at the chains to see if a team obtained a first down.

I realize that knowing where the front stake is located is the key. However, it seems that I lose the position of the chains as I move for the play. What do you experienced guys do to avoid turning for a peek?

My guess is that the field will not have the individual one yard hashes but will only have the yardlines marked every 5 yards.

Do you simply key off of the LJ? Do you try to focus on a static area that will definitely be a first down? What do you do to avoid turning around and looking at the chains?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!