dblref,
If my partner looks at me to help, I give him a "4-point" direction.
If I got a tipped ball from him, then I am wondering, 'Okay it was tipped, ya, but by whom?'
I would still need a direction.
mick

In that type of situation I would just tell my partner which way the ball should go, if I notice that s/he has his/her hand up and then looks at me... I also do the same thing for him/her.

It would be cruel and unusual punishment, since the frequency of the usage would kill him!!

4 point direction?

Yo, Sparky,
You know. Straight palm point, thumb down.
As in "5, 4, 2".
mick

hand brush
 

You guys are probably right. If my partner looks at me for help, I should just give him/her the direction and forget about the "brush". As someone said earlier, "learning something new every day!"

I stay away from using the "brushing of the hands". It's just not a proper mechanic.;)

Question: On a play where the defender tips the ball from the front court into the backcourt, and the coach is yelling for an over and back, I have seen this "brushing" to let them know that the ball was tipped by the defence. Is there a better way (nonverbal) to let them know that you are on top of the play?

None that I know of. I like to give the "brush" as soon
as I see it's going to be close, this way there's no
doubt I'm on it before the coach starts politely asking
why I missed it.

Safe sign
 

Mike,
For "no-calls" I usually go with a safe sign ("Runner is safe at the base", arms spread at 180 degrees) to show that I ain't callin' nothin'.
I use it for plays like big incidental contacts, an out of control shooter that falls hard, non-backcoourt violations.
I don't think there is any question that I saw the play when I do it. The folks still may think I kicked it, but they also know I was on it.
mick