Need a good hand signal...
 

Being a "rookie" with NFHS this year, I need to be better at selling my calls and one of those ways is coming up with a good signal for "basket counts" on a foul on the shot. Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations etc?

Don't need to "sell" - just be firm.

Fist goes up, ball goes in, bring fist down.

First of all, IMO, the dreaded "and1" is something that probably isn't called much. I'd say in my varsity games this year there may be 1 or 2 a game. I personally don't call many of those - if there's contact and the ball goes in I try to pass. Of course, if the defense commits felony assault you have to call that - but a bump here or a nic there - pass.

As far as the mechanic goes - my suggestion is to watch other officials and get the basic movement down and stand in front of a mirror and get something you like and are comfortable with. I actually do this every year for both basketball and softball in the preseason. I watch myself go through the range of mechanics. I check things like arm height on my counts, straight up on clock stop and fouls, and even my fingers on reporting numbers. I know it sounds anal - but the mirror is a great asset in helping your mechanics.

If you ever watch the NBA officials, you will notice that they are a matter of fact on most calls. "Counting a basket" is a normal call. I would not try to make too much of selling this call. Other calls you might have to sell much more. I would not try to sell that specific call. My signal is so "matter of fact" and I try my best not to put on a show on this call. The players, coaches and fans are going to react enough for me. As stated before, if your signals are crisp and sharp, you will hardly need to sell anything.

Peace

I do a double back flip ending with a punch towards the ground when I come to a stop....


...then the stretcher comes out and hauls me off the court to an awaiting ambulance to take me to the ER!

What.......no fishnets? :confused:

Agree completely.

Need a good hand signal
 

That was way too funny :D !!!!!!! I almost burned myself with the morning coffee reading that one. I'd like to know if you do this at the spot of the foul or at the table ?

Need a good hand signal
 

When you blow your whistle, everyone is directing their attention to you. NFHS 2006-07 Rules Book pg.76 shows the proper mechanic to count the basket. It does not need to be demonstative -just simple. Then take the call to the table and slowly. . . . . . count the basket first . . . . then give color, number, type of foul and announce one shot.

I usually go up with the fist and when the ball enters the basket, I come down showing two fingers pointed straight out. I also do this at the table, just lettting them know that the two points are good.

I like Camron Rusts too but I beat my chest 3-4 times, look up in the air and scream.

Double TWEET
 

I do a very basic signal as described above also.

I have a question though. I have noticed more and more officials that Do this,

A goes up for the shot, B fouls "TWEET" wait for it, ball goes in then "TWEET" with the downward motion of the arm.

Correct me if i am wrong but i have never seen that in a mechanics book or been taught that by any of my mentors.

You're correct. No second tweet.

The second tweet and punching the score down, is the dumbest thing I've ever seen. Makes you look like a huge rookie. JMO :D

Scorring the bucker? Fist up, come down with two fingers straight out, then give it again at the table, simple, easy, looks good. ;)

All good suggestions. I'd add that early on in my career I was coached to hit myself in the ear with the inside of my elbow on every foul and violation. Getting that initial signal straight up in the air will make you look confident and sure of your call.