Abstract: A method involving a MIMO communications system including a phased array antenna for establishing communication with a terminal located within a domain, the method including: defining a plurality of sub-domains within the domain; for each sub-domain, defining a corresponding set of analog phase weights to be applied to the phased array antenna for directing beams towards that sub-domain; in succession, selecting each sub-domain among the plurality of sub-domains and for each selected sub-domain: (a) applying the set of analog phase weights for that selected sub-domain to the phased array antenna; (b) performing channel sounding with the terminal while that sub-domain is selected; and (c) receiving feedback from the terminal for that selected sub-domain; and after selecting all sub-domains and from the received feedback, identifying a best sub-domain and identifying a best precoding matrix that in combination with the best sub-domain provides a best communication channel for the terminal.