The Lead Position
Two NBA Referees explore this crucial role on the court
If you haven’t heard, NBA Finals referee James Williams and NBA VP Head of Replay Kane Fitzgerald are leading “How to Watch Film: The Lead Position” this Thursday at 6pm ET.
James and Kane are passionate about the film, and it’s something they’ve chosen to focus on at RefMasters. Earlier this month we laid out 3 central tenets:
Film is Foundational: The Way to improve is to watch yourself and others. Consistently and obsessively. There are no shortcuts.
Film is Food: If play call validation in the final 2 minutes is Red Velvet Cake, your spinach is a random play where nothing happened in the 2nd quarter. Eat it all.
Film is for Friends: Watching in groups challenges your thinking and grows your network. Don’t go at it alone.
The above factors into our approach for every film session and breakdown we do, example: below is a play from the lead position analyzed by James in advance of Thursday’s session. We really hope to see you there.
Until then, go forth and RUN THE GAME.
-Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO-
Play Breakdown by James “Gucci” Williams
The Lead position is one of the hardest positions in all of sports to officiate. Its difficulty arises from the high rate of speed and strong likelihood there will be contact as defenders rotate over to try and defend the basket. Because of this, the Lead position demands the most patience and will power.
On this play, the Lead starts with the primary defender and once the primary defender is beat off the dribble, the lead now must sequence her eyes to the help defender coming to assist their teammate. Unlike anywhere else on the floor, plays at the rim usually involve a great deal of contact as the dribbler meets the defender. This is where patience comes in and we must allow plays to start, develop and finish.
After finding the help defender, the Lead needs to work on keeping their air “low.” What we mean is that we should anticipate contact, but don’t want to react to just the contact. When we’re patient and when we allow the play to finish, it gives us a moment to determine whether the contact was legal (marginal) or illegal. It’s at that time we should make our decision.
How well we work the Lead position comes down to a few factors
Are we in a dependable position?
Do we sequence our eyes properly?
Are we patient as the play happens?
Do we have the will power to say no when needed?
As we work on improving in these four areas, we’ll become better decision makers in what is undoubtedly one of the hardest positions to work in sports officiating
How to Watch Film: The Lead Position
Being a great referee comes down to watching film and applying what you learn. But analyzing footage without knowing what to look for can waste a lot of time and create bad habits.
Join NBA Finals referee James “Gucci” Williams and NBA VP Head of Replay Kane Fitzgerald as they break down film with pro-level detail. With a spotlight on tape submitted by RefMasters community members, we will examine core mechanics and principles at various points in the game.
This session will grow your referee knowledge and expand your ability to study film yourself. Here’s what a few participants from our last session had to say:
“The information was great and will be very much utilized as I move forward in my officiating career”
“This session specifically, breaking down film, is something that most officials need so much help with.”
“Great information which I have never heard at camps I have attended.”