When is a sub a sub?

[Back In The Saddle]

I had a partner a couple weeks ago tell me to wait until a player enters the substitution zone until I signal for substitution. Otherwise, she may get near the zone, I signal for substitution, only to have the coach call the girl back because she didn't want her subbing right now. Seems like good advice, and consistent with what I understand from the rules.

After doing that way for a couple of weeks, I've noticed a lot of players will hesitate before entering the sub zone, as if they're waiting for me to signal for the substutition before they enter. Or players on the floor who come to the sideline, to await subbing, who look at me like I'm out of my mind when I don't signal immediately, waiting until their sub enters the sub zone.

Am I doing it right, and the players just need to adjust? Or am I doing it wrong, and need to pull my head out?