A partner I worked with taught me this one a few weeks ago, I have used it a few times since then, works every time. If a coach comments to you that a certain play was or was not a travel, and you believe that he/she is entitled to an answer, you can say, "Hey Coach, which foot was the pivot?" (They never know the answer to that question, never), then pause for 2 seconds, then continue, "Because if you don't know which foot was the pivot, you can't make a travel call, can you?" I say this very nicely with a friendly smile on my face.

Try it, it works every time. I don't make it a habit to talk to coaches or explain my calls, but sometimes it's necessary, if they ask politely or sometimes you get tested, and this establishes my credibility. It also takes them out of their "I know a travel when I see it" mentality.

Interesting and something for my "bag of tricks".

I'd use caution however. What if the coach makes a 50-50 guess and does give you and answer. Then what?

I usually shake my head if the coach is pressing the call. It acknowledges that your hearing them and that seems to mean the most.

Keep it real short with coachs. Too much going on on the floor.

Trust me, Ref Daddy, they don't think that fast on their feet. And if they do guess, and respond to you, his/her pivot foot was his left (or right), just lie, and say no Coach, it was her right (or left). Trust me, they don't know, they just chatter. Try it. Let me know what happens.

I agree with you though, the best course is to just ignore them, don't let them know you're listening. Only do this when you feel it's appropriate.

"Wadaya mean which foot was the pivot???!!! You're asking ME which foot was the pivot????!!! No wonder you missed that one!!"

Now what?

Next time you called a travel on my team, "Hey ref."

"Yeah."

"Which foot was his pivot foot?"

My answer to you, if I called a travel:

"The one he lifted."

And if I didn't call a travel:

"The one he didn't lift."

But lifting your pivot foot is not a travel.

It is if you lift it before dribbling. It is legal if you shoot or pass however.

I tell them I thought it was ugly but ugly isn't illegal. If it was, we'd all be in trouble!

Never respond to statements like "That's a travel." Just ignore it and go on.

"That's travel!"

"Thank you..."

"But it's right in front of you, wasn't it?"

"Thank you..."

"But this is the third time!"

"Thank you..."