I think his reaction time is too slow sometimes. By the time he is putting his arms in the air, the shooter is already in the air attempting the shot, making it look like a foul.
I believe this is close to the solution. Maybe not step aside, but allow the penetrator an angle to the basket and go for the block as the shot goes up (as the play last night when he pinned the ball to the backboard). With his size, most guys will alter and miss the shot. Earlier in the season, I recall JVG saying they were working with him on this and I've seen him make this adjustment for 1 or 2 games with great success. By standing directly in front of the opponent, he getting too many fould called (whether they are the right call or not...it doesn't matter as he's still getting the whistle for it). Like Van said the other night, I'd rather him allow an open lane and change a shot or let the opponent score than have him constantly in foul trouble. I think the tradeoff would be worth it.
Seems like he's always swatting down instead of jumping to where the ball will be. But whatever. He'll figure out something.
Sign Stromile Swift in the offseason. His weakside shotblocking and lateral quickness will make up for Yao's short comings. Yao didnt NEARLY have as much trouble last year with fouls with Cato as his sidekick. It makes a difference.
Yao needs to be less agressive in the first quarter in particular. Picking up 2 fouls in the first quarter is going to send him to the bench everytime. I think he picks up most of his fouls from his help defense and he just needs to back off early in the game. He can still contribute defensively, he seems to alter a lot of shots and forces pass outs by just holding his arms up in the lane. I am surprised after the last several games that a smart guy like Yao hasn't figured out that he needs to spread out his fouls to keep himself in the game.
Ballence still ballence Who knows some training to practice his reaction time? Hope yao or our trainer can read this and try to find a way to make yao faster and smarter on the court.
I still like the idea of Yao handing out coupons to the refs for his parents' restaurant.... He could even have a few To Go bags dropped off about an hour before the game. As far ass (Freudian slip) Solid's idea of Yao turning his butt toward the play, I could see the story the next day: Earl Boykins still missing, FBI X Files team called in. One minute he was there headed for the hoop and the next minute he was just gone. There were no bright lights, just this kinda sucking sound.... In other news Yao Ming may miss tonight's game due to constipation. I've continued to ponder this question and I'm kinda leaning toward getting rid of Ewing and trying to get another style coach that would fit Yao better - Moses could teach attitude, Kareem might be a much better fit style wise and help bring out the best in Yao's natural abilities. Something just isn't working - so this might be one of those "trade Jim Jackson and get someone who just fits better where we are going."
The answer is so simple: I scream at the TV everytime he does it and I don't understand why... He stands still and puts his arms in the air, but he brings his arms down toward the defender...FOUL. Just leave your arms up and make the guy shoot over your arms at 7'6" jees it's a good shot if he makes it. Stop bringing your arms down. He does this 2 to 3 times a game. Now he won't foul out if he can just stop doing that.
We all agreed that Dione"Patrick" Warwick is useless when it comes to coaching Yao. I have a feeling once we sign that legit starting PF that can block shots, rebound, score, Yao's foul trouble will be a thing of the past. I'm more concern with the refs and how they're still treating Yao. Lots of times Yao got hacked mercilessly and yet there are no calls. JVG, CD better do something fast to help Yao because as great as TMac is Yao is still our bread & butter. We can only go so far into the playoffs if Yao can't stay on the court.
You guys got a good list, let me see if I can sum it up: There seems to be 3 kinds of fouls that Yao commit: 1) Taking charge, and not quick enough to get outside the circle or fail to keep arms straight up. Also have disadvantage becuase Ref rarely calls a charge when a small guy runs over a big guy. It's mostly the other way around becuase it just looks worse that way. 2) Block shots from unfavorable position, either from behind or after the guy gets by him. 3) He used to pick up some offensive fouls but not quite as many any more. He still needs to play help defense but maybe if he could cut out just 1 or 2 fouls, he will be fine. I suggest: 1) Give up trying to lumber over from across the lane and take charge. He never gets to the spot quick enough. He can stand his ground if he is already on the same side of the lane. 2) If the opponent has inside position, leave him alone. 3) Don't go for block shot everytime, it does not work and it wears him down such that he is not as effective. He should pick his spot to go for block. It's better to attempt 5 times and swat 1, 2 rather than try 10 times and not get any.
less minutes (LOL)... Seriously, he needs to foul hard. If he fouls hard, then the refs will eventually let the little stuff go. Yao backs away after a small foul and the refs call it every time. The NYK were the best at this in '94. They fouled on every single posession (same with the Bad Boys in '89-91). There is simply no way the refs will foul Yao out on cheap fouls if he gives them real ones to call, plus the other teams will take notice after a few elbows to the temple and will stop challenging him. It may sound mean, but unless he dramatically changes his game he will never earn the respect of the refs.
