I feel you! I started in November and I work at an incredibly busy store. I’m always on register or customer support. I don’t really get much bar practice unless I ask. I’m supposed to be a barista trainer but I’m like, how am I supposed to train somebody else when I’ve barely been taught myself? Make it make sense. But I’m trying my hardest to get bar down as fast as possible.

Definitely make sure to ask your shift if you can get some practice time. That is what I did back when I first started. As a longer term partner (222xxxx), I’m almost always on bar and while I enjoy bar, I definitely have days/weeks where I would LOVE a break from it. I know that during peak it’s hard to get practice, but there is really no reason that you shouldn’t be getting a chance when it’s less busy. Also, talk to the bar partners you see who are amazing on bar. Ask their advice. Ask them to help you practice. I’m always willing to help newer partners practice. I know a lot of partners will be happy to help you get better with it. Good luck!

At the beginning of your shift, mention to your SSV that you'd appreciate bar practice during less busy times of your shift. You won't always get it, but sometimes you will.

I feel you on not getting much bar time. I'm at 4½ months and I have to really proactively ask for bar time, otherwise I'm on POS 99% of the time. 😞 I work a lot of peak AM shifts and I'm not good enough/ fast enough to bar during peak, but if I don't practice consistently I'll never get better.

sorry I’m late but honestly the best way to do it is ask ahead of time! being like “hey would it be possible for me to get some practice today?” at the very beginning of your shift! that way the play caller can plan for it. some ppl are hesitant to give newbies time which is unfortunate but the best thing you can do when not on bar is ask questions about recipes, standard, how to do x thing, etc. Edit: I’ve been a partner for 8 months, my first time on drive bar during morning peak was at my 5 month mark.