Basketball Hand Signals

• Objectives:
  • Enumerate the different hand signals in basketball through discussion.
  • Familiarize with the basketball referee's hand signals through participation.
  • Execute hand signals through individual practicum.
• FIBA governs these basketball hand signals.

Game Clock Signals

• Stop the clock signal is indicated using an open palm.
• Stop the clock for foul signal is indicated using one clenched fist.
• Start the clock signal is indicated by a chopping motion with the hand.

Scoring Signals

• A 1 point score is signaled with one finger, 'flag' from the wrist.
• A 2 points score is signaled with two fingers, 'flag' from the wrist.
• A 3 points attempt is signaled with one arm and 3 fingers extended.
• A successful 3 points score is signaled with both arms and 3 fingers extended.

Substitution and Time-Out Signals

• Substitution signal is indicated by crossing the forearms.
• Beckoning-in signal is indicated by an open palm waving towards the body.
• Charged time-out signal is indicated by forming a "T" and showing the index finger.
• Media time-out signal is indicated by open arms with clenched fists.

Informative Signals

• Cancel score and play signal is indicated by a scissor-like action with arms once across the chest.
• Visible count signal is indicated by counting while moving the palm.
• Direction of play and/or out-of-bounds signal is indicated by pointing in direction of play with arm parallel to sidelines.
• Held ball/jump ball situation signal is indicated by thumbs up, then point in direction of play using alternating possession arrow.

Violations Signals

• Traveling is signaled by rotating the fists.
• Illegal Dribble/Double Dribbling is signaled by patting motion with the palm.
• Carrying the ball is signaled by half rotation with the palm.
• 3 seconds is signaled by arm extended, with 3 fingers shown.
• 5 seconds is signaled by showing 5 fingers.
• 8 seconds is signaled by showing 8 fingers.
• 24 seconds is signaled by the fingers touching the shoulder.
• Ball returned to backcourt is signaled by waving arm front of body.
• Deliberate foot ball is signaled by pointing to the foot.

Type of Fouls

• Holding is signaled by grasping wrist downward.
• Illegal Screen/Blocking foul is signaled by placing both hands on the hips.
• Charging without the ball is signaled by imitating the push.
• Hand-checking is signaled by grabbing palm and forward motion.
• Illegal use of hands is signaled by striking wrist.
• Foul on the act of shooting is signaled by one arm with clenched fist, then indication of the number of free throws.
• Foul not on the act of shooting is signaled by one arm with clenched fist, followed by pointing to the floor.

Special Fouls

• Double foul is signaled by waving clenched fists on both hands.
• Technical foul is signaled by forming the letter "T", showing palms.
• Unsportsmanlike foul is signaled by grasping wrist upward.
• Disqualifying foul is signaled by clenched fists on both hands above the head.