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Author Topic: How to become a better back judge?  (Read 6985 times)

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Offline Kalle

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How to become a better back judge?
« on: March 23, 2018, 03:29:20 AM »
OK, continuing the trend :) Background - I gave in and returned to the Finnish top semi-pro league, and we work seven man crews there this year. It's been a while since I've worked seven man mechanics (and even then most of my games were 5-man crews), so what kinds of tips would you give to me? You can assume that I'm new to 7-man crews but otherwise relatively experienced official, and CFO mechanics comments are fine (our IFAF mechanics differ somewhat but the principles are the same).
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Offline ElvisLives

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #1 on: March 23, 2018, 07:11:15 AM »
Something tells me you’ll be just fine.
But, the B can’t get beaten deep, and he must be perfect on the play clock.  One of the newer skills a B needs to have is to know how to pick up the potential ‘targeting’ player before he makes contact, so he can get the targeting, or pull someone else off a targeting call.

You’ll be fine.
Robert
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Offline Archie

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #2 on: March 23, 2018, 11:58:46 AM »
Work to know your key(s) and how that may change with pre-snap motion and as receivers "declare" downfield and become zone responsibilities for the deep officials. Don't back pedal too quickly...read the play and hold if it is a run or short pass.  Too many back judges take themselves 35+ yards away from the action by bailing out too fast. Be very alert to watch dead ball action and use an active "accordion" technique after every play to stay engaged with your presence on the field.  Know the punt play rules cold, and be an expert on what is (and maybe more importantly, what is not) PI.
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Offline Sonofanump

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #3 on: March 23, 2018, 06:21:07 PM »
Be aware of the receiver running the post from the weak side when your key runs a short pattern.
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Offline TxBJ

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How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #4 on: March 24, 2018, 12:02:06 PM »
Quote from: Sonofanump on March 23, 2018, 06:21:07 PM
Be aware of the receiver running the post from the weak side when your key runs a short pattern.

For sure!!!
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Offline Kalle

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #5 on: March 24, 2018, 02:10:18 PM »
Excellent advice from you all, thank you! Feel free to keep it coming :)
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Offline Dakota Dan

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #6 on: March 24, 2018, 09:15:40 PM »
The trend I am seeing in our conference is on stretch plays (runs going wide), they want the back judge watching the blocks on the second level on the front side of the run.  On a stretch play, the U has back side second level blocks and the BJ has front side second level blocks ... the R would have front side LOS blocks and the CJ would have backside LOS blocks.  Our Back Judges are being challenged to pick up more holds on the front side.
« Last Edit: March 25, 2018, 09:33:15 AM by Dakota Dan »
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Offline Osric Pureheart

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #7 on: March 28, 2018, 06:12:31 PM »
Quote from: Sonofanump on March 23, 2018, 06:21:07 PM
Be aware of the receiver running the post from the weak side when your key runs a short pattern.

I've got a clip for this! (Content warning for white knickers.)

https://youtu.be/23rY5gXpegk?t=6m16s

What it doesn't show is me ducking as the QB throws his pass directly at my nose...
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Offline azsteam

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Re: How to become a better back judge?
« Reply #8 on: March 30, 2018, 06:30:26 PM »
One big difference like this play, is BJ doesn't worry about Goal line when the ball is passed between the 5 yard and in.  Always be deeper than the players.   We have the S/F on the goal line and the BJ can keep the angle to help with the catch.
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