I've heard many times that if you want to improve how you look as an official, you should practice your signals in the mirror. I have tried this a few times, and it feels like a disorganized mess. Does anybody have a specific routine they follow to work on this?

I have access to a large room with mirrors, so I can move and see myself. I'd like to put it to good use, but I'm afraid I'm just not as creative as I could be.

Inside or outside of the mirror, just do the mechanics they way they are suppose to be done. The key is to practice until all the signals become second nature. The mirror just helps you position your hands and arms in the proper place. Outside of the mirror you do not get the chance to see what little things you do or even facial expressions you might make when calling a foul.

Peace

I don't have a specific routine, per se, but I would recommend practicing the whole sequence of calling the foul (minus running to the table). So say "tweet" (don't blow a real whistle or you'll go deaf), raise a fist, then lower the fist and give your signals to the table. Go through the various signals if you want, but only use one signal per "tweet". So on your first tweet, give the signal for a holding foul on Blue 23. On the next tweet, give the signal for a block on White 12. Etc. I would also do the same with my violation signals. Tweet, arm up, travel. Tweet, open hand, illegal dribble.

Just my two cents.

I think it's important to view yourself from every perspective, so I always check the mirrors on the ceiling.

Mirrors on the ceiling...why am I not surprised? :D

(1) Face the mirror...give the number, signal, and consequence (verbal call too, if you're alone, or not afraid of looking like a freak in front of your family). Make sure the signs are in that "window" in front of your face. Make sure you're standing straight, and that your voice is clear.

(2) Do the same thing, only turn 90 degrees, so you can see a side view (are you hunched over, etc).

Personally, I think that if you have to ask us how to use the mirrors, then you lack imagination. Every time I step into a bathroom, I call a foul. Every time I see a mirror I stop, plant my feet and report that white 32 had a hack we are shooting two. Just use that immagination that you have and make something up. I called fouls on black 50 for a whole week after that big girl wouldn't stop hacking.

Hey Tim, let them play. :D

Peace

I'll let them play when they learn how to behave!

Maybe you should turn on the fan. ;)

Are you sure this isn't in response to what you see in the mirror? ;)

Seriously, I do the mirror bit for a little bit before the season and periodically throughout.

The fan comes on after I call the foul. That is when I realize I didn't put enough deoderant on this morning.

Definitely an offensive foul! :D

Get out the casebook and pick out some situations you regularly encounter and a few "surprises." This way, you work on your signals and it's a refresher on the rules and applications.