Why can't you report it as reaching in while signaling the illegal use of hands signal? Some coaches want to know exactly what the player did. To me , illegal use of hands is too general.

Because it perpetuates the myth that all "reaching in" is a foul.

The same reason you shouldn't report "over the back" while giving the pushing signal.

If the coach is watching the play, he knows what his kid did. If you have to say something, say "on the arm" or "push" or "block."

That, and what Bob says. ;)

Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, hacks me off more when it comes to this avocation than hearing an official use the terms "reach-in" or "Over the Back".

"Reaching in" is as much or more ambiguous as illegal use of hands in the context of the type of foul we're talking about.

If the coach wants to know what his guy did and asks you respectfully, you can tell him exactly what he did. But "reaching in" shouldn't be your answer.

"slaped him on the wrist"

Yep. Which is right next to the signal for "that's gotta be something" and "Giving him the business down there" :D

I often use "ON the Back" with my pushing signal for "on the back" rebound fouls... I do it for two reasons, 1. I want to emphasize that on the back is a foul, over the back ain't, and 2. I have a push, while the rebounder is up in the air and all over somebody's back and shoulders to get the rebound, stating it as a push just doesn't make much sense to me (IMO).

Too much talking for my taste. I was always taught that when you report, you say the color and say and show the number but then only signal the foul using the correct mechanic, not verbally. Talking invites trouble.

It also avoids a problem where you might say push and signal hold....

If the coach wants an explanation, he can ask for one at the next opportunity.

No need to say anything or make up mechanics

Agree.

I tend to use fists, (old habits die hard) kind of like a personal foul signal in football.

Quiz: a "reach around" though, is:

a) an automatic foul
b) only polite

That is something I had heard before at clinics also, but the last clinic I attended, the clinician confirmed that you should ue the fist because that is the prescribed mechanic....if you keep it down at/below the waist there should be no reason to have it confused for the intentional foul....just don't let your hands fly all over the place and you'll be fine!;)

Iirc, the Fed changed this signal to use the fists just within the last few years. Rationale being that it's a "stronger" looking signal. As long as it's out where it should be, I don't see how it could be confused for the intentional signal (which doesn't mean that it can't happen).

I can see where it could be a problem when you say one thing and show another, but I just assume state the foul to avoid confusion and no explanation needed at the next opportunity. Just as much as talking can invite trouble, it can also alleviate some troubles. Just my preference and opinion.