Partner Help

[TNZebra44]

Mainly he was missing and kicking calls. When he did make a call he would occasionally give the incorrect signal. Once or twice he would give two signals, i.e. a double dribble. He would give the travel signal then double dribble. He was trying so hard. I advised him to "swallow his whistle" and not get so "excited" when he saw a violation or foul. It was just very difficult for me to see those kicked calls and improper signals during the game. Coaches and players pick up on these things quickly. I felt if I started calling out of my primary then all hell would break loose with the coaches and players. I wanted the game to be called accurate and fairly, I just was unsure how to handle correctly and still keep control of the game.

[BktBallRef]

It's not uncommon for newbies to make such mistakes.

On the court, there's only so much you can do. You seemed to have done a few of those things. Most folks aren't going to know what your primary is so if you have to go get an obvious one, do it.

Off the court:
Urge him to practice his mechanics in front of a mirror.
Urge him to study the rules more, offering any aids you might have.
Offer to mentor him if you feel led to and you think he's got what it takes.

But realize that not everyone is cut out to do this.

[derwil]

Originally Posted by BktBallRef

But realize that not everyone is cut out to do this.

Maybe Soccer?

[ODJ]

At least he's trying and open to advice. I'd rather have wrong signals and the right call, than nothing.

Tell the coaches to shut up. Like their kids are so polished at that age.

[DonInKansas]

Him asking for help is a good start. Lots of us had the same nerves during our first few games. I know I did. Asking for help shows he cares and wants to do well, and I applaud the guy for that.

I'm not so sure about telling him to "swallow the whistle" though. I didn't blow the whistle enough my first year. I'm still not blowing it enough in this my second year. Maybe he's seeing the play correctly but not blowing the whistle. This is something I still struggle with; recognizing fouls/violations and blowing them dead right there instead of hesitating, saying a bad word to myself and not blowing it because I feel I let it go too long.