Vision, Focus, and Where to Look

Great officials see a game with purpose. This sublesson introduces how to train your eyes to focus on the right matchups, anticipate action, and maintain awareness of all ten players. You will learn how proper vision and positioning directly impact your ability to make accurate and confident decisions.

Understanding Visual Priorities

Great officials separate themselves by what they choose to focus on. You cannot watch everything equally, so you must train your eyes to prioritize the most important action occuring.

At all times, your goal is to:

• See the matchup that matters most in your PCA
• Anticipate where contact is most likely to occur
• Maintain awareness of all ten players without overextending your focus

The 70/30 Rule

The 70/30 Rule applies for officials to concentrate there focus on where action is most likely to occur with a ball handler. In simple terms, the 70/30 rule means that 70% of your focus is on one player while the 30% of your focus if on the other player. Notice there isn’t a 100% rule where you focus on one player at all times in a matchup. The 70/30 rule allows officials to maintain awareness of all players in a matchup and guide your vision in live play situations. The rule is implemented as follows:

70% Focus on the Defensive Player

When an offensive player is attempting a shot, gathering the ball for a shot attempt, or handling the ball during a live dribble, officiate 70% defense and 30% offense.

• A defensive player is more likely to commit illegal contact than the offensive player
• Focusing your attention on the defenders in these situations allows you to:
  • Identify points of contact on the shooter’s arms
  • Judge hand checks that may impede the ball handlers RSBQ
  • See swipe downs on players gathering for a shot attempt at the rim.
• You are not ignoring the offensive player, but you are focusing your attention where illegal contact is most likely to occur.

70% Focus on the Offensive Player