"That's a travel" comeback

[robertclasalle]

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.