Understanding the three lanes is essential to effective movement and rotations at the Lead position. Lanes provide the Lead Official with a simple way to understand where they should position themselves in relation to the ball and developing action.

The court can be divided into three vertical segments that extend the entire length of the court:

• Lane 1: Between the strong-side lane line and sideline
• Lane 2: Between the two lane lines
• Lane 3: Between the weak-side lane line and sideline

The court can be divided into three vertical segments that extend the entire length of the court.

However, there is one important concept to remember:

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Lane 1 is always the lane where the Lead Official is positioned.

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Because the Lead Official's position determines the strong side and weak side, the lanes are constantly changing. When the Lead Official rotates from one side of the court to the other, the lanes effectively flip.

Lane 1 — Mirror the Ball

Lane 1 is the area between the lane line and sideline on the strong side.

Lane 1 is shown above and is always the side the Lead Official is positioned. When in this position, the Lead Official should mirror the ball and be positioned approximately one step outside the ball.

When the ball is in Lane 1, the Lead Official should generally mirror the ball from the Lead position.

The goal is to maintain an outside-in look by positioning yourself approximately one step outside the ball (See Graphic Above). This does not mean constantly moving to remain exactly one step outside the ball.

Instead, develop a feel for the position.

Your objective is to:

• Keep an open look at the play
• Maintain strong visual angles
• Stay connected to the ball
• Avoid unnecessary movement