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.

On a successful 3-point attempt, my understanding is that one is not supposed to bring the fist down, but use the usual "field goal" signal instead. (I've had this call a handful of times since I started reffing---one just thet other night, in fact. Of course, I brought my fist down out of habit...)

simple and to the point
 

Like JRut said earlier, business like. Don't be flamboyant. The best explanation as to how and why to do this is like this. The offended team scored and gets a chance to score again, the offending team already is feeling the effects, so don't rub salt in the wound. This day and age the offending team and fans can very easily take this as Showboating against them......I don't know who said it but it works for me...

Now my serious reply...

I always signal a foul with my left fist up (no particular reason, just the way I do it). However, being right handed, it doesn't feel right to cout the basket with that hand...it just feels awkward. So, I signal the basket with the right hand, while dropping the left. It looks sort of like a swim stroke movement with the right hand coming up about shoulder high then forward and slightly down in a fist (somewhat hammer/punch-like) as I take a step in with my left foot.

I like the captain hook.