Subscriber Question

Coach, we see the trapezoid lane in International play.  Do you think the trapezoid is a better lane design and if so should we adopt it in American basketball?  Also, are there any other differences between International and American rules that would benefit us in the States?

Coach Torbett's Response

TRAPEZOIDAL LANE: I'm in favor of the Trapezoid Lane for the same reason that the original lane lines were widened: SPACING.  Receiving the ball at the low block puts the offensive player so close to the goal that it draws a more intense battle from the defense than it might otherwise.  That battle makes it harder on the officials and results in more fouls and more clock stoppage which kills the flow of the game.  And regardless of what the rules say, everyone who’s ever played, coached, or officiated knows that there are a different set of rules for the low post and low post players vs the players in other positions on the court.  The trapezoid lane would push the low post players further from the goal and help eliminate the administering of two sets of rules by the officials.
 
The trapezoid lane is like a good offense: it creates SPACE.  When the court is opened up, the dynamics of the game change creating a more exciting brand of basketball.  Spacing allows players to use their skills more and to develop skills that aren't currently being developed due to traffic in the current rectangular lane.  Proof of that can be seen in the development of European players versus our own.
 
Another rule that I particularly like has existed in the European leagues until just recently.  This is the rule that allows a team to take the ball out of bounds as quickly as they want, without the official touching it.  There is already enough stoppage of play with all of fouls and other violations that are called.  Basketball is exciting and challenging because teams can switch so quickly and so often from offense to defense; many times from complex offenses to complex defenses.  Why not adopt the "no official dead ball when the ball goes out of bounds" and keep the game going and flowing like it is on the playground when no officials are involved?  I would like the American game to consider this concept and I would like the European leagues to readopt it.