Awful Partner

[Back In The Saddle]

Originally Posted by TimTaylor

BITS,

I like the list - good suggestions. Only thing I would add is don't overload them with too much information all at once - focus on one or two things. When they're new and struggling, it's very easy for them to go into information overload just trying to keep up with the simple basics we all take for granted - be prepared to spoon feed it as needed.

You are absolutely right. "As needed" is a very good way to approach it. With one partner, just "confining" him to his area might be enough simplifying to get him on his feet. With another, getting him to blow his whistle on most OOB or obvious fouls might be the most you should ask for. I have had both of those partners, and survived.

I'm not sure if you were referring to this, but even with the most inexperienced partner, I would not scrimp on the pre-game. Certainly he won't remember to do most of what's talked about, but I want him to know what "we" are doing so he has enough information to follow my lead (e.g., I'm coming toward him before the first free throw because we're switching, I'm standing at mid court with my hand up because I'm bringing in subs, etc.)

[TimTaylor]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

.....I'm not sure if you were referring to this, but even with the most inexperienced partner, I would not scrimp on the pre-game. Certainly he won't remember to do most of what's talked about, but I want him to know what "we" are doing so he has enough information to follow my lead (e.g., I'm coming toward him before the first free throw because we're switching, I'm standing at mid court with my hand up because I'm bringing in subs, etc.)

Agreed. The pre-game is not a place to scrimp. If anything, it can help give you a feel for your partner's experience and comfort level, and what you might want to focus on. It's also a great time to get the communication process started. When I'm working with someone that I know is new or doesn't have a lot of experience, I make it a point to have a brief, casual "getting to know each other" conversation before launching into the pregame, and may modify it accordingly.