From the time we first start training as an official, we hear: "Don't anticipaqte the call." Timing is everything, we're told. Follow the patient whistle theory. Wait for the play to unfold. We're told: "Timing is everything."

But sometimes the backstory is neglected by trainers, intent on breaking bad habits known as "jumping to conclusions." We begin to think that an official must have an open mind when approaching any on-court event.

That's just flat wrong, as you'll see as you move along through this article. Good officials always anticipate: They anticipate what might happen.

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