Kristian Ferrell
Hand signals are an important aspect of basketball, used by both players and referees to communicate during a game. While referees use hand signals to indicate violations, the players use them to call plays. For instance, a player without the ball may signal that they want the ball in the high post by making an elbow sign. Similarly, a closed fist is a universal sign for a screen. However, the meaning of other hand signals can vary between teams, as they develop their own signals to prevent the other team from predicting their moves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Referee signals for a dead ball | Raise an open hand in the air |
| Referee signals for a violation | Raise an open hand in the air |
| Referee signals for a foul | Raise a closed hand in the air |
| Referee signals for a carrying violation | Palm up to palm down hand movement |
| Referee signals for a 3-second violation | Three fingers pointed down at the side, then swipe hand back and forth |
| Referee signals for a 5-second violation | Five fingers in the air |
| Referee signals for a 24-second violation | Tap the top of the shoulder with one hand |
| Referee signals for an over-and-back violation | Palm down hand movement back and forth from side to side |
| Player signals for a screen | Closed fist |
| Player signals for an alley-oop on fast breaks | One finger in the air |
| Player signals for the ball in the high post | Slap the elbow |
| Player signals for a set play | Fist curled in or out along the leg |
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What You'll Learn
Hand signals to indicate plays
Hand signals are used in basketball to communicate rulings on fouls, violations, and scoring plays. They are used by referees, as well as players, to indicate plays.
Referees use hand signals to communicate fouls, violations, and clock operations. For example, raising one hand to stop the clock, a clenched fist to indicate a foul, and rolling both arms in front of the face to indicate a travelling violation. Referees also use hand signals to indicate scores, stops in play, timeouts, and substitutions.
Players also use hand signals to communicate with each other on the court. For example, a player without the ball indicating that they want the ball in the high post by signalling their elbow. A closed fist is a signal for a screen. A player with their index fingers orbiting each other while the ball is falling to the ground is usually indicating a motion or standard set.
Different teams may have their own unique hand signals to avoid the other team interpreting them. For example, in the NBDL Reno, they have hand signals for certain plays, such as the 50 series, 40 series, 30 series, and 20 series.
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Referee signals for violations
Basketball referee signals are important for communicating calls to players, coaches, and spectators. When a violation occurs, a referee will blow their whistle and raise an open hand to signal a dead ball. They will then use specific gestures to indicate the type of violation.
For example, a carrying violation occurs when a player is dribbling and places their hand under the ball before continuing to dribble. To signal this, the referee flips their hand over from palm up to palm down several times. A traveling violation is called when a player illegally moves one or both feet, and the referee will move their arms in a circle in front of their face. To indicate a 3-second violation, where a player is in the paint area for too long, the referee points three fingers down at their side and then swipes their hand back and forth.
Other violations include a 5-second violation, signaled by raising an open hand with five fingers, and an 8-second violation, signaled with eight fingers raised, indicating a player took too long to advance the ball across the half-court line. A 24-second violation is called when a team fails to shoot within the allowed time, and the referee taps their shoulder with one hand. An over-and-back violation occurs when a player with the ball in the front court crosses into the backcourt without defensive contact. The referee will move their hand with the palm down back and forth like going over a line.
These signals are essential for clear communication during a basketball game, ensuring that everyone involved understands the calls being made and can focus on the flow of the game.
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Referee signals for fouls
Basketball referee signals are important to help the crowd, scorer's table, coaches, and players understand what is happening on the court. When a foul occurs, the first thing a referee will do is blow their whistle and place a closed hand in the air. The closed hand indicates that a foul has occurred, which is different from an open hand, which signals a violation. After the foul occurs, the referee will signal what type of foul it was and inform the scorekeeper. Here are some common referee signals for different types of fouls:
- Blocking Foul: When a defensive player does not have a legal guarding position and impedes the dribbler's progress, a blocking foul is called. The referee's signal for blocking is placing both hands on their hips.
- Charging Foul: If the defensive player is in a legal guarding position and the offensive player knocks them off their spot, a charging foul is called.
- Holding Foul: If a player grabs another player by their jersey or any body part, a holding foul is called. The referee's signal for a holding foul is making a fist with one hand, holding that arm out, and then mimicking grabbing the wrist with the other hand.
- Hand-Checking Foul: If the defender limits the offensive player's movement with their hands, a hand-checking foul is called. The referee will chop one hand across the opposite wrist to signal this foul.
- Pushing Foul: Players are not allowed to push their opponents in basketball. The signal for pushing is putting two arms out and making a pushing motion with the hands.
- Intentional Foul: An intentional foul results in two shots for the offensive team and possession of the ball. The signal for an intentional foul is putting both arms in the air and making an 'X' with them.
- Technical Foul: Technical fouls are called for unsportsmanlike behaviour by a player or coach. The signal for a technical foul is taking both hands and making the letter 'T'.
- Shooting Foul: If a player is fouled while attempting a shot, it is called a shooting foul. If the shot is made, the player gets to shoot one free throw, often called "And 1." If the shot is missed, the player gets to shoot two free throws.
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Hand signals for screens
Hand signals are an important aspect of basketball, used by both players and referees to communicate during a game. While referees use hand signals to indicate violations, fouls, and other important occurrences, players also use hand signals to coordinate plays and strategies with their teammates.
One of the most commonly recognised hand signals used by players is the closed fist. This signal is used to indicate a screen, where a player intends to block an opponent to provide an opportunity for a teammate. A curled fist along the leg is another signal used to alert the front court of the need to set a screen.
In addition to these standard signals, teams often develop their own unique hand signals to communicate specific plays. For example, a player may use their index fingers to orbit each other while the ball is falling, indicating a motion set or a standard set for what they are running, such as a UCLA cut or flex motions. This can be particularly useful for on-the-fly plays, such as when the point guard wants a screen from a big man.
It is also worth noting that players may use fake signals to deceive their opponents, adding an element of unpredictability to their strategy. This is often seen when players open and close their hands, revealing and concealing their palms, in an attempt to mislead the defence about the direction of the ball or the player setting the screen.
While hand signals are an integral part of the game, it is important to understand that they are just one aspect of the complex and dynamic nature of basketball. Effective communication between players and referees relies on a combination of verbal and non-verbal cues, as well as a thorough understanding of the rules and strategies of the game.
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Hand signals unique to each team
Hand signals are a crucial aspect of basketball, enabling teams to communicate plays and strategies effectively. While some hand signals are universally recognised, such as a closed fist signalling for a screen, each team also develops its own unique set of hand signals to maintain a strategic advantage over their opponents.
For instance, a player signalling for the ball in the high post, or the "elbow", may place their hand on their elbow, a signal used by Kobe and imitated by LeBron. Another example is pointing to the inside of the elbow, a signal used by 2-3 players during the NC State v Purdue pre-tipoff.
Teams also employ numerical hand signals to indicate specific plays. For instance, a player from the NBDL Reno team shared that they used number series hand signals, such as 53, which indicated a play out of the 50 formation aimed at creating a scoring opportunity for the 3-man.
Additionally, hand signals can be used to deceive opposing teams. For example, NBA PGs may open and close their hands, revealing and concealing their palms, to confuse the defence about the ball's movement or who is setting the screen.
While hand signals are integral to a team's strategy, they can also pose a challenge when interpreted by the opposing team. To counter this, teams may employ fake signals, similar to baseball, where multiple fake signals are given before the actual signal.
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Frequently asked questions
When a violation occurs, a referee will blow their whistle and raise an open hand in the air. An open hand signals a dead ball. A closed hand means that a foul has occurred. When a player illegally moves one or both of their feet, a travelling violation is called, and the referee will put both arms in front of their face and move them in a circle. To signal a carry, the referee will use one hand and flip it over from palm up to palm down several times.
A player without the ball indicating that they want the ball in the high post will usually make an elbow signal. A closed fist signals a screen. A single finger in the air may signal an alley-oop on fast breaks. When a player opens and closes their hands, revealing and concealing their palms, they are trying to trick the defence as to which side the ball will move or who is setting the screen.
You can use either the handshapes "5" or "3".
