Positioning & Coverage for Multi-Referee Plays

Success starts with being in a dependable position before the play even begins. This clip highlights the importance of initial setup as the offense sets its half-court formation, focusing on how the Center, Trail, and Lead must adapt to the shifting density of players. With six players and multiple screens developing on the strong side, the Center is heavily engaged, requiring the Trail and Lead to recognize "two-referee plays" and adjust their angles to offer support. We examine how the Lead can "close down" and back out when there are no competitive matchups on the weak side, ensuring the crew maintains a high-alert status. The primary takeaways emphasize setting a professional tone by calling obvious advantage/disadvantage fouls and staying mobile to maintain clear lines of sight.

Play BreakDown

Stop the clock when the big gets the ball above the 3 point line (17:24). Look at the initial set ups from each position. Make sure each position (T, C, L) are dependable and we see whatโ€™s developing from the offense.

On the strong side we have the C with 6 players and screens developing. From T and L understand these are two referee plays and to get to a place on the floor where we can help, if we arenโ€™t already there. There are no competitive matchups on the weak side of the floor so realistically a better spot for the L could be to close down and back out as the play develops if need be.

Take Aways:

  • From the start, all positions should work to be in dependable positions
  • Call obvious plays of advantage/disadvantage to set the tone for the game
  • High alert for coverage on two referee plays

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