You still need to practice with the stick, not for the feet, but to find the spot that gets them to loin, and find that spot that makes them relax, for some calves it could be the chest, some the belly or others the brisket, find their spot at home so at the show you know where to go to calm them down.
My youngest had a knack with the show stick, if he found the calves sweet spot with the stick he could go out in the pasture and halter one by just scratching them, really helps when their still green. He seldom if ever touched the feet but could put one to sleep with a stick when he wanted.
You and the calf need to be on the same page, the more you practice at home the better you can anticipate when your animal is about to have issues, and correct or change the situation before it occurs.
I think what gets to a calf more than anything is when you are constantly messing with them, we told the boys if you get them close, leave them alone, that 1/4 inch to an inch off is not worth getting the steer all worked up, if he is close your good.