[BillyMac]

Watching the Lead in this video finally allowed me to fully realize why I almost always give the wrong preliminary signal for a block (fists instead of open hands on hips).

For forty years I believed that the reason for my incorrect signal was because I was emulating experienced, veteran, highly regarded officials, as well as my own belief that fists was a stronger signal than open hands.

While both of these reasons are part and parcel of me, in the heat of the moment, knowingly giving an incorrect preliminary signal, watching the Lead in this video made me realize a third, more important reason, it's a smooth transition from a fist being raised for a stop the clock for a foul signal, to bringing said fist down to one's hip for the block signal.

While I believe that the Lead was incorrect in his call, one has to admit that his signal, while also incorrect, is as smooth as silk.

Note: By the time I make it to the reporting area I almost always report using use the correct open hands on hips signal.