Late Game Pre-Game

The subject of a pre-game is always mentioned as vitally important to the success of a crew on a nightly basis. Some officials want to go over as many details as possible, spending the better part of 30 minutes droning about very specific plays/coverages. Others refuse to do much of a pre-game, such as when veterans who have worked together a lot feel that there is little need for a long discussion.

Down the stretch of close games, it is generally a good idea for the crew to get together during timeouts. Some officials hate this. They feel that they know what they are supposed to do, and the last thing they want is the arrogant partner to tell them to "focus" during crunch time. Most of us don't really need a cheerleader at this point in a game, but that's almost always there.

However, it is smart to cover "what-if" scenarios for a final possession when the outcome of the game has not been decided. I was on a crew earlier this week that had the best late-game pre-game I'd ever been a part of, and as a result, we were completely prepared for all plausible situations that could occur. I figured it would be a good thing to share as either a lesson leanred, or a short checklist to think about.

We had 2 seconds left, red team down by 1. The white team had made a free throw to take the lead, and the red team called a TO to set up their inbounds play to score at the other end. The inbounder was able to move along the baseline if he had to, and it was apparent that the white team would be pressing. During the TO, we were able to discuss the following issues:

1. C was opposite table, and had the call for whether the final shot was good or not. However, C had to stay in back court to help manage the throw in, due to the press. Therefore, the crew decided that if a long pass was thrown to the far side, and the shot was taken from below the FT line on the T/L side of the court, that the L would make that call. If the shot came from anywhere short of the FT line, or on the same side of the court as the C, that the C would have the best look. If there was a shot near the opposite corner, possibly 70 feet away from the C, the L should take that.

2. If there was a long inbounds pass into the front court, the L would help mark the 3. On the L side of the floor, he would take it. On the opposite side, he would have to be able to help if the C was too far away to get a good look. (This was irrelevant to us, but relevant to this topic since a 2-point margin would have made this very important.)

3. The L would have to be aware of the red coach may try and call a TO to prevent a 5-second call if the inbounds play appeared to be in jeopardy. The red coach would probably be jumpy, so it was imperative to be aware of him, and make a strong and visible call if he got the TO prior to the 5-seconds or the inbounds pass was made.

4. On a long pass, the T would have responsibility to make sure the clock started on time and correctly. The C and L would be busy managing the play. On a regular/short pass, the L would make sure the clock started on time and correctly.

5. If we were going to have a foul on the defense, we would make sure that the offensive player had won the matchup, beat the defender(s), and had their chance to score legitimately affected. It could be a cut in the backcourt, or a foul on the shot after a long pass. No bailouts, but don;t be afraid to get the foul in the whole gym knows it was warranted.

End result was a short pass that resulted in one dribble, and lean towards the defender, and 70 foot have that fell 30 feet short of the hoop. All the preparation was for nothing, but it was cool that we had those details locked and loaded to maximize our chances of getting it right, having no game clock issues, and the L not stuck on the end line where he could not really contribute to the play. Other issues to be aware of in these siutations:

1. On free throws that can break a tie with very little time remaining, it is a good idea to specifically tell the shooter's teammates NOT to push on the rebound. The last thing they or you would want is to have a foul to put the other team at the line at the other end. Make that point and minimize that risk. It helped us in this instance prior to the last play.

2. Remember the 0.3 second rule. If tha is an issue, remind the players as the exit their huddle or lineup thatif they catch the ball, the shot won't count--it must be tipped.

3. Remind a team if they are out of timeouts prior to the ball being put in play. "No Chris Webbers!" will be met with a smile by most players and the point will be well made.

4. Coaches may tell you if they are running a trick play. Last month a coach told me as they were coming out that they would pass the ball between teammates along the baseline prior to throwing the inbounds (after the made basket by the opponent and subsequent TO). He wanted to make sure that we knew it was legal. Good thinking on his part, and it helped us.

If there are other good ideas, let's have them. Hope this is helpful, too.