MODULE 5 – Basic Fundamental skills and Movements in Basketball

Dribbling - important skill for all basketball players. This skill will allow you to move up and down the court,
maneuver past defenders and execute plays. Proper dribbling requires ball handling skills and knowledge of
how to spread your fingers for ball control. It is also best if you know how to dribble equally well with both
hands.

Shooting - In order to score points in basketball, you need to shoot the ball into the hoop. This requires the
ability to properly hold and throw the ball into the air toward the basket while avoiding defenders. A proper
shot requires precise aiming, arm extension and lift from the legs. There are different types of shots you need
to learn, including jump shots, layups and free throws.

Two-hand Underhand Shot

Preparatory Position – Ball is held in front of the body. Fingers on both hands are under the ball and
thumbs are pointing upward toward so that the rim of basket can be seen over the ball.

Body Action – Knees bend as ball is brought down between the legs. Knees straighten as the ball is
brought upward. Ball is released when the arms are fully extended in the direction of the basket. The
follow through should be high in direction of basket.

One-hand Push shot

Preparatory Position – Ball is balanced by the fingers of the shooting hand.

Body Action – Ball is brought up and in line with shoulder of shooting hand; elbows are bent. As ball
is released, the shooting arm extends upward and toward the basket. The wrist flexes as finger guides
the ball. The follow through is high and toward the basket.

Two-hand Chest Shot

Preparatory Position – Ball is held as for a chest pass.
Body Action – As shot is begun, slightly lower ball and release it with arm upward extension of knees
and arms and a snap of wrist and fingers,
Concentrate eyes on nearest rim of basket and make an effort to “Lay” ball over this rim.

Lay-Up Shot - this type of shot is similar to the mechanics of the one-hand push shot, but the ball is aimed at
the back board so it can rebound to the basket.
Player approaches the basket from side with a dribble or receives a pass from a teammate as he is
running.
As player jumps high in air, the ball is brought to a position off the shoulder of the shooting board.
With the arm fully extended, the ball is pushed and guided by the fingers to a spot to the backboard,

Running - big part of basketball. In a full-court game, you will find yourself running back and forth as the game
quickly transitions between offense and defense. When you have the ball, running will help you to avoid
defenders and get to the basket quicker. On defense, you often will find yourself needing to run after the
opponent, especially during fast breaks.

Passing - another skill that when mastered can help you become a complete basketball player. Basketball is
a team sport that involves finding a teammate who is open for a shot. The ability to pass the ball to this player
can make the difference between scoring and not scoring. Really great passers are an important part of a
basketball team and usually the ones who set up scoring plays.
Kinds of passing:
• Chest Pass – This is used to cover short distances.

• Preparatory Position – Ball is held by the fingers with the thumb behind the ball. o Elbows are bent
and close to the body.
o Knees are bent and feet in stride position.
• Body Action – Ball is brought slightly downward, then upward, and pushed away from chest; arms are
push forward from shoulders as elbows straighten. Arms are followed through toward the target.
• Bounce Pass – The bounce is used with a pass so that the ball may bounce into the receiver’s
hands. This pass may utilize the overhand. underhand, or chest pass. Ball should bounce at a point
three-fourths of distance from passer to receiver so it is caught at waist level. Reach out as ball is
thrown.

• One-Hand Underhand Pass – This pass uses the throwing pattern described in softball unit. The left hand,
however, is put on the top of ball to steady at as ball is brought forward. • Shoulder Pass – This pass utilizes
throwing pattern included in the soft ball unit. The left hand, however, is placed on the top of the ball to steady
in the backswing, but is removed as ball is brought forward.

Jumping - another skill that can define how good a basketball player is. Jumping is involved in offense during
the jump ball in the beginning, while taking shots and sometimes while trying to catch a pass. On defensive
you will need the ability to jump when trying to block a shot or a pass. Being able to out jump your opponent
for a rebound also is important.

Other FORM OF STRATEGY:

1. Rebounding- Rebounding is where you get a chance to compete for possession of the basketball.

2. Blocking out- In basketball, a block or blocked shot occurs when a defensive player legally deflects
a field goal attempt from an offensive player. The defender is not allowed to make contact with the
offensive player's hand (unless it is in contact with the ball) or a foul is called. Block Out or Box Out -
Getting your body between the basketball player and the basket to get a rebound.

3. Blocked Shot - When a defensive basketball player makes contact with the basketball while
another player is shooting the ball.

4. Screening- In basketball, the offensive player setting the pick must remain stationary at the moment
of contact with the defender; a screen is illegal if the screener moves in order to make contact, and
obtains an advantage; the result is an offensive foul.

5. The pick and roll (also called screen and roll or shortened to screen roll, any of which may be
hyphenated) in basketball is an offensive play in which a player sets a screen (pick) for a teammate
handling the ball and then slips behind the defender (rolls) to accept a pass.

6. Fast break -a play or method of play that brings the ball from one end of the court to the other
quickly, usually by one or two quick passes in an attempt by the offensive team to score before the
defensive team can get into position.

7. Delay- Delay of game is an action in a sports game in which a player or team deliberately stalls the
game, usually with the intention of using the delay to its advantage. Designed to use up the time.
 However, the attacking team must shoot the within a certain time. Otherwise the defending team will
be awarded the ball.
8. Zone defense is a type of defense, used in team sports, which is the alternative to man-to man
defense; instead of each player guarding a corresponding player on the other team, each defensive
player is given an area known as a "zone" to cover.

9. Man-to-man defense is a type of defensive tactic used in team sports such as American football,
association football, basketball, and netball, in which each player is assigned to defend and follow the
movements of a single player on offense.

MODULE 6 – RULE S OF THE GAME:

There were only thirteen rules of "basketball".
1. The ball may be thrown in any direction with one or both hands.
2. The ball may be batted in any direction with one or both hands.
3. A player cannot run with the ball, the player must throw it from the spot on which he catches it,
allowance to be made for a man who catches the ball when running at good speed. 4. The ball must be
held in or between the hands, the arms or body must not be used for holding it.
5. No shouldering, holding, pushing, tripping or striking in any way the person of an opponent shall be
allowed. The first infringement of this rule by any person shall count as a foul, the second shall
disqualify him until the next goal is made, or if there was evident intent to injure the person, for the
whole of the game, no substitute.
6. A foul is striking the ball with the fist, violation of rules 3 and 4, and such as described in rule 5.
7. If either side makes three consecutive fouls it shall count a goal for opponents. 8. A goal shall be
made when the ball is thrown or batted from grounds into the basket and stays there If the ball rests on
the edge and the opponent moves the basket it shall count as a goal.
9. When the ball goes out of bounds it shall be thrown into the field and played by the person first
touching it. In case of a dispute, the umpire shall throw it straight into the field. The "thrower-in" is
allowed five seconds. If he holds it longer it shall go to the opponent. If any side persists in delaying the
game, the umpire shall call a foul on them.
10. The umpire shall be the judge of the men and shall note the fouls, and notify the referee when
three consecutive fouls have been made.
11. The referee shall be the judge of the ball and shall decide when the ball is in play, in-bounds, and
to which side it belongs, and shall keep the time. He shall decide when a goal has been made and
keep account of the goals with any other duties that are usually performed by a referee.
12. The time shall be fifteen-minute halves, with five-minute rests between.
13. The side making the most goals in that time shall be declared the winner. In the case of a draw, the
game may, by agreement of the captains, be continued until another goal is made.

FOULS
1. When a player makes a body contact, it is a personal foul.
2. When a plyer commits an unsportsmanlike act or delays the game, it is a technical foul. 3. Five fouls
committed during a game disqualifies a player from play. A technical foul for unsportsmanlike act may
disqualify a player if the official decrease it.
Personal fouls: Personal fouls include any type of illegal physical contact.
• Hitting
• Pushing
• Slapping
 • Holding
• Illegal pick/screen -- when an offensive player is moving. When an offensive player sticks out a limb
and makes physical contact with a defender in an attempt to block the path of the defender.
Personal foul penalties: If a player is shooting while a being fouled, then he gets two free throws if his
shot doesn't go in, but only one free throw if his shot does go in.

PENALTY :
The player fouled of any member of the opposing team in the case of a technical foul is awarded in a
free throw. A player who is fouled in the act of shooting receives two free-throws if the goal is missed.
• Three free throws are awarded if the player is fouled while shooting for a three-point goal and they
miss their shot. If a player is fouled while shooting a three-point shot and makes it anyway, he is
awarded one free throw. Thus, he could score four points on the play.

INBOUNDS. --If fouled while not shooting, the ball is given to the team the foul was committed upon. They get
the ball at the nearest side or baseline, out of bounds, and have 5 seconds to pass the ball onto the court.

CHARGING----An offensive foul that is committed when a player pushes or runs over a defensive player. The
ball is given to the team that the foul was committed upon Blocking.

Blocking- is illegal personal contact resulting from a defender not establishing position in time to prevent an
opponent's drive to the basket.

Flagrant fouL----Violent contact with an opponent. This includes hitting, kicking, and punching. This type of
foul results in free throws plus the offense retaining possession of the ball after the free throws

MODIFIED BASKETBALL FOR GIRLS

Formation and playing time made be the same as that of boys modified game. 29 1. Ball is put in play by a
center jump at the beginning of each quarter.
2. Team is gaining possession of the ball toward their goal by passing or dribbling. 3. Once ball is caught from
the dribble; it may not be dribbled again until possession is gained at another time.
4. Players offensively when team has the ball, defensively when team does not have the ball. 5. When the
defensive team gains possession of the ball, it attempts to advance it down to the offensive end of the court.
6. If ball is caught or held by two opposing players at the same time, a tie ball is called, and tossed up is taken
in the nearest restraining circle.
7. Advanced players may be caught to put two hands firmly on the ball when an opponent is holding ir, thus,
causing a tie ball.
8. When a score is made, the ball is put in play by a member of the opposite team at any point behind the end
line.
9. Players line up alternately along the free throw lane when a free throw is attempted.
10. When a free-throw is made, the ball is put in to a play by opponents from any point behind the end line.
11. If a free throw is missed and touches the rim and rebounds in to the court it is play again.

VIOLATIONS
1. Stepping on or over the boundary line while possession of the ball.
2. Travelling with ball.
3. Double dribble
4. Causing the ball to go out of bounds.
5. Kicking ball or striking with fist
6. Stepping in to restraining circle before the ball is tapped.
7. Stepping over the free-throw line and lanes before ball hits the rim of basket. PENALTY: Out of bounds for
the other team at the side line.

Walking/Traveling.
Taking more than 'a step and a half' without dribbling the ball is traveling. Moving your pivot foot once you've
stopped dribbling is traveling.

Carrying/palming.
When a player dribbles the ball with his hand too far to the side of or, sometimes, even under the ball.

Double Dribble.
Dribbling the ball with both hands on the ball at the same time or picking up the dribble and then dribbling
again is a double dribble.

Held ball.
Occasionally, two or more opposing players will gain possession of the ball at the same time. In order to avoid
a prolonged and/or violent tussle, the referee stops the action and awards the ball to one team or the other on
a rotating basis.

Goaltending.
If a defensive player interferes with a shot while it's on the way down toward the basket, while it's on the way
up toward the basket after having touched the backboard, or while it's in the cylinder above the rim, it's
goaltending and the shot counts. If committed by an offensive player, it's a violation and the ball is awarded to
the opposing team for a throwing.

Backcourt violation.
Once the offense has brought the ball across the mid-court line, they cannot go back across the line during
possession. If they do, the ball is awarded to the other team to pass inbounds.

Time restrictions.
A player passing the ball inbounds has five seconds to pass the ball. If he does not, then the ball is awarded to
the other team. Other time restrictions include the rule that a player cannot have the ball for more than five
seconds when being closely guarded and, in some states and levels, shot-clock restrictions requiring a team
to attempt a shot within a given time frame.

MODULE 7 – The Different Offensive Plays, and different basketball terminologies

• Air ball - A shot that misses the rim or backboard.

• Alive: Offensive player who has the ball and has not dribbled.

• Alternating Possession Rule: The possession arrow changes direction after each subsequent jump ball or
held ball situation, alternating which team gets possession for the throw-in. The first possession after a held
ball goes to the team who lost the opening jump ball to begin the game.

• Assist: A pass to a teammate that results in a made basket.

• Backboard: The flat surface directly behind the basket. The basket is connected to the backboard.
• Backdoor: An offensive move where a player cuts behind the defenders and receives a pass for a field-goal
attempt.

• Ball Handler: The player with the ball. Usually the guard at the start of the play. • Bank Shot: A shot where the
ball is first bounced or banked off the backboard at such an angle that it then drops into the basket.

• Basket: Consists of the rim and the net, also known a ‘the hoop’.

• Basketball: A round ball made of rubber, leather or synthetic leather. Comes in 3 different sizes (size 5, 6 or
7).

• Blind Pass: A pass from a ball handler who does not see their receiver but is estimating where they should
be.

• Blocked Shot: The successful deflection of a shot by touching part of the ball on its way to the basket, and
preventing a field goal.

• Blocking: The use of a defender’s body position to legally prevent an opponent’s advance. It is the opposite
of charging.

• Boards: The backboard which the ring or basket is attached or slang for a ‘rebound’ – the act of a player
grabbing the ball after a missed shot attempt.

• Boxing out: The defensive player turns and faces the basket following a shot and with his or her back to the
opponent, and ensures that the player being guarded can’t ‘rebound’ the ball.

• Charging: An offensive foul, which occurs when an offensive player runs into a defender who has
established position.

• Court vision: A player’s ability to see everything on the court during play. • Crossover dribble: When a ball
handler dribbles the ball across their body from one hand to the other.

• Cut: A quick movement by an offensive player without the ball to gain an advantage over the defense usually
directed towards the basket.

• Dead: Offensive player has the ball and has already used their dribble. They must now either pass or shot
the ball.

• Dead Ball: Any player with the ball that is not ‘live’. This occurs after each successful field goal, free-throw
attempt, after any official’s whistle or if the ball leaves the court, then play is stopped.

• Defense: The act of preventing the offense from scoring. Defense is the team without the ball.

• Down court: The direction a team on offense moves, from its backcourt to its frontcourt and towards its own
basket.

• Double Dribble: The act of dribbling the ball, stopping the dribble or motion of the ball and beginning to
dribble again. Results in a violation and turnover.
• Downtown: Referred to as a shot that was considered to distant for the normal shooter to take or in the ‘3-
point’ area.

• Dribble: The act of bouncing the ball up and down. The offensive player with the ball uses the dribble to
move the ball around the court.

• Drive: The movement of an offensive player while aggressively dribbling towards the basket in an attempt to
score.

• Dunk: A shot in which a jumping player slams the ball down into the opponent’s basket from above.

• Established Position: When a defensive player has both feet firmly planted on the floor before an offensive
player’s head and shoulder gets past them. The offensive player who runs into such a defender is charging.

• Exhibition Game: The act of playing another team and the outcome not being counted in any league
standings.

• Fake: A movement made with the aim of deceiving an opponent. This can be done with either a pass or a
shot fake.

• Fastbreak: The act of moving the ball quickly down court by an offensive team in hopes of getting ahead of
the defense to score.

• Feed: To pass the ball to a teammate who is in a scoring position.

• Field Goal: When the ball enters the basket from above the rim during play. It is worth two points.

• Flagrant Foul: This is unnecessary or excessive contact against an opponent. • Floor: The area of the court
within the end lines and the sidelines.

• Floor Violation: A player’s action that violates rules but does not prevent an opponent’s movement (traveling,
double dribble, etc.). They are penalized by a loss in possession.

• Foul: Actions by players, which break the rules but are not floor violations. They are penalized by a change
in possession or free throw opportunities.

• Fouled Out: A player having to leave the game because they have committed five fouls.

• Foul Shot or Free Throw: An unguarded shot taken from the foul line by a player whose opponent committed
a personal or technical foul, which is worth one point.

• Free Ball: A ball, which is in play but is not in the possession of either team, also called a ‘loose ball’.

• Free Throw: The act of shooting the ball from the marked free throw line (ranging 10-15 feet from the basket)
while the remaining players line up down the ‘key’. Shot is taken at the result of a foul or technical foul being
called.

• Give and Go: An offensive play in which a player passes the ball to a teammate and cuts towards the basket
for a return pass to score.
• Goaltending: Interference with a shot by touching the ball or basket while the ball is on, over, or within the
rim. Also touching the ball on its downward flight to the basket before it hits the rim.

• Guarding: The act of following an opponent around the court to prevent them from getting close to the
basket, taking an open short or making easy passes.

• Half time: The rest period between two halves of the game. Usually 5 minutes in length.

• Hand checking: Illegal use of hands, usually on the back or hips of the offensive player.

• High percentage shot: A shot that is likely to go in the basket, typically taken near the hoop.

• High post: A player who is stationed in or near the free throw semicircle on offense.

• Hoop: The basketball rim and backboard players shoot the ball towards in attempt to score points. Also
referred to as the ‘basket’.

• In the Paint: Being in the large rectangle area under each basket or the foul lane area, which is painted a
different color. AKA ‘the key’.

• Inbounds: The area within the end lines and sidelines of the court.

• Incidental Contact: Minor contact usually overlooked by officials which does not give the opposing team an
unfair advantage or affect the outcome of the game.

• Inside Shooting: Shots taken by a player near or under the basket.

• Jump shot: Field-goal attempt by a player with both feet off the floor, enabling the player to shoot over the
defender.

• Lay-up or Lay in: A shot taken after driving to the basket by leaping up under the basket and using one hand
to shoot the ball off the backboard.

• Loose Ball: A ball that is alive but not in the possession of either team.

• Lower Percentage shot: A shot that is less likely to go in the basket, usually taken further away from the
hoop.

• Match-ups: Any pairing of players on opposing teams who guard each other.

• Outlet Pass: The first pass made after a defensive rebound to a teammate to start a fastbreak.

• Outside Shooting: Shots taken from the perimeter, further away from the hoop.

• Pass: When a player throws the ball to a teammate to advance the ball during a possession.

• Personal Foul: Contact between players, which may result in excessive physical contact or provide one
team with an unfair advantage. Players may not push, hold, trip, hack, elbow, restrain or charge into an
opponent. These are also counted as team fouls.
• Pivot: A center, also the foot that must remain touching the floor until a ball handler who has stopped
dribbling is ready to pass or shoot.

• Possession: To be holding or in control of the ball.

• Post Position: The position of a player standing in the low post or high post in the ‘key’ area near the hoop.

• Rebound: A term used to describe the actual retrieving of the ball as it rebounds from the backboard or the
ring after a missed shot.

• Receiver: The player who receives a pass from the ball handler.

• Referee: The person(s) assigned to the game to maintain the flow and integrity of the game.

• Sag: When a defender moves away from their opponent toward the basket they are defending.

• Scrimmage: Practice play between squads of one team.

• Shooter: A player who takes a shot at the basket in attempts to score.

• Shooter’s roll: This is the ability to get even an inaccurate shot to bounce lightly off the rim and into the
basket.

• Shooting Range: The distance from which a player is likely to make their shots.

• Squaring up: When a player’s shoulders are facing the basket as they release the ball for a shot. This is
considered good shooting position.

• Steal: To take the ball away from an opponent.

• Strong Side/Weak Side: Whichever side of the key that the ball is on when on offense is called the strong
side. The other side is the weak side. If the ball changes sides, the weak side is now the strong side.

• Substitute: A player who comes into the game to replace a player on the court.

• Switch: Two defensive players change checks during live play.

• Technical Foul: A special violation called at the discretion of the referee towards players, coaches or the
team. Infractions include an intentional or flagrant contact foul, unsportsmanlike conduct or other actions
detrimental to the spirit of the game.

• Throw-in: The method by which a team with possession inbounds the ball.

• Time-out: A period of sixty seconds during which the play is stopped and teams discuss strategy and a
moment to allow players to rest.
• Tip-off: The initial jump ball that starts the game.
• Trailer: An offensive player that follows behind the ball-handler.
• Violation: An infringement of the rules, which does not involve contact. The opposing team is awarded the
ball for a throw-in from out of bounds.
Understanding Basketball Referee Signals:

25 Basketball Referee Signals

Violation Signals
When a violation occurs, you will always hear the referee blow their whistle and raise an open hand in the air
before signaling the violation.
The open hand in the air signals a dead ball.
The referee then gives their signal, and then the ball is taken out of bounds to resume play.

common violation signals ----- traveling, double dribble, carrying the basketball, 3-second violation, 5-second
violation, 8-second violation, 24-second violation, over-and-back, kicking, out of bounds, and jump ball

Traveling
When a player illegally moves one or both of their feet, a traveling violation is called.
The referee will put both arms in front of their face and move them in a circle to signal a traveling.

Double Dribble
A double dribble occurs when a player dribbles the ball, picks it up, and then dribbles again.
The referee puts both of their hands in front of them with their palms down, then alternates moving them up
and down to signal a double dribble has occurred.

Carrying the Basketball

A carrying violation is called when a player is dribbling the basketball and puts their hand under it, then
continues dribbling.
To signal a carry, the official will use one of their hands and flip it over from palm up to palm down several
times.

3-Second Violation
Players are only allowed 3 seconds in the paint -- a 12x16 feet area closest to the basket.
If a player is in the paint for more than 3 seconds, the referee will call a 3-second violation.
The referee will take three fingers, point them down at their side, and then swipe their hand back and forth to
signal this violation.

5-Second Violation
A team has five seconds to throw the ball inbounds when they are taking it out.
If they take longer than five seconds, the referee will call a 5-second violation.
This is a simple signal, as the referee will use one of their hands and put five fingers in the air.

8-Second Violation
When a team has the ball in the backcourt, they have 8 seconds to get the ball across the half-court line.
If they take longer than the allotted 8 seconds, the referee calls a 8-second violation.
(many younger leagues use 10 seconds instead of 8)
The referee signals this violation by putting eight fingers in the air.

24-Second Violation
If playing in a league that uses a shot clock, teams will have 24 seconds to take a shot on each possession
(some leagues use longer shot clocks).
If a team fails to shoot within this time, the referee will call a 24-second violation.
The referee will use one handed to tap the top of their shoulder on the same arm.
Ball return to the backcourt(Backcourt Violation)
When a team possesses the basketball in the front court, then a player with the ball goes into the backcourt
without the defense touching it, an Ball return to the backcourt occurs.
The referee will place their hand out with their palm down and move it back and forth from side to side like their
hand is going over a line.
This is to signal that a player went over the half-court line and an Ball return to the backcourt occurred.

Kick ball
In basketball, a player may not intentionally kick the basketball.
If they do, the official will blow their whistle.
To signal a kick occurred, the referee will point at their foot.

Out of Bounds
The ball is out of bounds when it touches a line that outlines the court or anywhere outside of those lines.
It is also out of bounds if it touches a player who is standing outside or on a line.
When the ball goes out of bounds, a referee will signal whose ball it is by pointing toward the basket of the
team that will take possession.

Jump Ball
When players from both teams possess the basketball, a jump ball is called.
The referee will give two thumbs up above their head to signal that a jump ball has been called.

Fouling Signals
When a foul occurs, the first thing a referee will do is blow their whistle and place a closed hand in the air.
The closed hand means that a foul has occurred, which is different from the open hand, which signals a
violation.
After the foul occurs, the official will signal what type of foul it was.
They will also go to the scorer’s table and tell the scorekeeper who the foul was on, and also do the signal for
the type of foul.

common fouling signals -----blocking foul, charging foul, hand-checking foul, holding foul, pushing foul, elbow
foul, intentional foul, and technical foul

Blocking Foul
When a defensive player does not have a legal guarding position and impedes the dribbler’s progress, a
blocking foul occurs.
The referee's signal for blocking is placing both hands on their hips.

Charging Foul
If the defensive player is in a legal guarding position and the offensive player knocks them off of their spot, a
charging foul is called.
This is also called a player-control foul.
When the referee signals a charging foul, they make a fist with one hand and "punch" the open palm of their
other hand.

Hand-Checking Foul
Defensive players are not allowed to limit a ball-handler’s ability to move with their hands.
If the defender does limit the movement with their hands, a hand-checking foul is called.
For this signal, the referee will chop one hand across the opposite wrist.

Holding Foul
In basketball, you are not allowed to grab another player by the jersey or any of their body parts.
If this happens, a holding foul is called.
The ref’s signal for a holding foul is making a fist point with one hand, holding that arm out, and then "grabbing"
the wrist with their other hand.

Pushing Foul
Players are not able to push their opponents in basketball.
If a ref sees a push, they will call a foul.
These fouls happen a lot when two players are going after the same rebound.
In fact, when an ‘over the back’ foul occurs, you will typically see the referee call it a push.
The signal for pushing is putting two arms out and making a pushing motion with the hands.

Elbow Foul
If a player gets aggressive with their elbows and connects with an opponent, a foul will be called.
Sometimes these fouls can be deemed flagrant and can result in two shots and the ball for the team that got hit
by the elbow.
The official will signal this type of foul by swinging their elbow.

Intentional Foul
Over the course of the game, fouls happen unintentionally numerous times.
However, if the referee thinks a foul was done purposely or with malicious intent, they can call an intentional
foul.
An intentional foul results in two shots for the offensive team and the ball.
The signal for an intentional foul is putting both arms in the air and making an ‘X’ with them.

Technical Foul
If referees feel like a coach or a player is not conducting themselves properly or having unsportsmanlike
behavior, they can call a technical foul.
This foul also results in two shots, plus the basketball.
The signal for a technical foul is taking both hands and making the letter ‘T’ with them.
Other Hand Signals to Know
Sometimes referees will make signals that don’t indicate a violation or a foul has occurred.
These signals can be found below.

other important signals ----- substitution, start the clock, three-point attempt, three-point make, no basket, and
timeout

Substitution
When teams wants to exchange an on-court player with someone on the bench, the coach asks for a
substitution.
At the next dead ball, the referee signals the substitution by making an "X" with their arms.

Start the Clock

In basketball, there are a lot of dead balls where the clock is stopped.
The clock doesn’t start again until a player on the floor touches it.
Instead of the timekeeper making a judgment of when to stop the clock, they look for a referee signal to start.
The ref will have their hand in the air until it’s time to start the clock.
Once that time has come, the referee will drop their arm down and the time will start.

Three-Point Attempt
When a player attempts a three-pointer, the referee has a signal to show that.
They will put one arm straight up in the air to signal a three-point shot is being attempted.

Three-Point Make
If the three-point attempt is made, the official has another signal for that.
They will take both of their arms and place them straight into the air.
No Basket
Sometimes shots are taken that are immediately after a foul is called or the time has expired.
The official will signal the shot does not count by waving and crossing their arms out in front of them.

Timeout
The other type of timeout is a full timeout.
The signal for this is to stick both arms straight out to the side with fists being made.

Importance of Understanding Basketball Referee Signals

Players
Understanding referee signals is crucial for players as it allows them to quickly interpret the calls made by
officials during the game.
This understanding helps players adjust their gameplay, avoid violations, and make informed decisions on the
court.
Coaches
Coaches need to understand referee signals to effectively communicate with their players and make strategic
decisions based on the calls made by officials.
It enables coaches to provide guidance and make necessary adjustments during the game.
Spectators
Spectators who understand referee signals can actively engage in the game and have a better understanding
of the flow and dynamics of the match.
It enhances their overall viewing experience and allows them to appreciate the skills and strategies employed
by the players and teams.
Benefits of Understanding Referee Signals

Clarity and Transparency

Understanding referee signals promotes clarity and transparency in the game, reducing confusion and disputes
among players, coaches, and spectators.
Fairness and Consistency
When everyone understands referee signals, it ensures fair play and consistency in the application of rules
throughout the game.
Enhanced Communication
Understanding referee signals facilitates effective communication between players, coaches, and officials,
leading to smoother gameplay and fewer interruptions.
Appreciation of the Game
Spectators who understand referee signals can better appreciate the intricacies of the game, including the
strategies, skills, and decision-making involved.