It has been a little over a month now in our new basketball season. All of us by now should have the bugs worked out of the travel schedule, and are showing up each night with vigor in our games. And, what an opportunity we have each night we work - to get the call right!
It was no secret that this season, at least at the beginning, was going to be different in the foul counts. So much anticipation and preseason expectations were set at the college and high school levels, with new points of emphasis and changes in rules. The national media was all a flutter about the new attention put on the dribbler and his/her defender. And, they continue to "delight" us with highlights and video of plays being called both ways, and then of course their mind numbed commentary on such.
What is of keen interest though, is that so much of basketball occurs away from the ball. In fact, assuming the dribbler is guarded in a man-to-man defense, and is not double-teamed, that leaves 80% of the players on the court somewhere else and doing something else! A great question to ask is, "What's going on OFF ball?"
The answer will astound you-if you look! I would venture to say that 80% of the game occurs, where 80% of the players are located. It is important what is going on with the ball-that is for sure. But generally speaking, the ball does not get us in trouble as referees, but players certainly will. Remember when you first started, and you had the tendency to "ball watch" on the floor. How embarrassed were you in an early clinic when you had a fast break play to the basket, a quick pass and score, then look up and see players getting up of the floor. What answer did you give the observer/clinician?
The point is, "there is a ton of stuff happening away from the ball." And, not all of it is legal. In fact, some of it can get down right nasty depending on the situation. Grabbing, pushing, elbowing, displacing, hooking, poking, and yes-even punching. There are a ton of consequential things going on inside the paint on post, on rebounds, on the wings with cutters, etc.
Elite officials, and those moving up have found ways to make sure they are keeping there eyes on their primaries, which includes looking in off-ball when necessary. You can see this when you observe them-as many times body language and head/eye location tell you they are not "following the ball."
Here are a few suggestions that come from a "collage" of articles I have read over the last few weeks concerning off ball calls. First, you remember the move to improve suggestion your clinician gave you? Turns out, it is excellent advice is it not? Well think about it in your off ball positions. If you are standing still too much-is it possible you are watching the ball too much? Said another way, do players in the paint, or on the wings stand still? No, of course they don't. If they do, they're probably coming out on the next dead ball. Use your move to improve adage to make sure you are looking through players without the ball.
Second, look for the off-ball call early. Not saying make something up-that is stupid and lowers your credibility with everyone, including your crew. But, make sure you work a good "slot.". Look for those early cutters coming through the lane and in/out of your primary. Go ahead and get a first class "freedom of movement" call down low early. Let the players know you are watching.
Third, when a the shot goes up away from you-look for the closest competitive match up near the basket in your primary. The mechanics books tell you where you are supposed to be looking when you are watching an off ball rebound. Get your eyes there, find the opponents and referee the contact. Let the player's eyes and bodies tell you where the ball is. I assure you, it is going to come down, and if someone in your primary can make a play on it, they will. Then, if need be, put a whistle on illegal contact.
Lastly, trust your partners. Each night you work with men and women who have experience. Trust them to get where they need to be, and take care of your business. An example could be, when in transition from slot to slot and the ball handler is a few feet from you, referee that play until the ball leaves. Make sure you stay with the players until the ball has left, and the players are clear and out of danger from making contact. Let the ball go where it is going, generally into another referees primary.
Remember, there is a whole "world" of stuff going on away from the ball. Make sure you are on top of it, and-that you get the call right.
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