Monday, October 11, 2010

Fast Break Mechanics

Had another young official ask me about how to manage positioning on a fast break. There are times in transition/fast-break when you will be the new L opposite the ball. There are different ways to position yourself, depending on if it is a fast-break going directly to the basket, or if it becomes a transition situation where there will be no direct and swift play at the basket.

If there is an imminent play at the basket, you stay home. You let the transitioning C take the call on the opposite side. If he cannot run or get anywhere near the play to see it, help him. Otherwise, cover the end line and take your half of the court.

If there is a transition play, get ball-side. Period. Player coming down the wing and a potential cutter moving to the opposite side or block? Get over there if you can. That's called hustle. The C will have the ball on the wing. The 4-4-2 philosophy dictates that you get the next 4 closest players. If you can officiate better by getting over, then go.

The young official told me he got chastised for getting over, because the new T had not even crossed half court yet, and that this was poor teamwork. I found this comical on several levels. The new T should be hustling. If the new L has time to come across, the new T had better be able to cover the back side (new C) side of the play. There will be no bad screens or competitive matchup opposite a transition break situation, anyway. Get to the ball-side to officiate your most compelling competitive matchup. He did the right thing, but the know-it-all who told him different doesn't get it, and never will.

4-4-2 applies all the time.

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