BBC Sportbasketball

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Guide to basketball



Blocking: clenched fists pushed against the waist

Blocking: clenched fists pushed against the waist

Holding: right wrist is gripped firmly with the left hand

Holding: right wrist is gripped firmly with the left hand

Pushing: hands held up make it clear what the foul is

Pushing: hands held up make it clear what the foul is

Charging: referee punches their right hand with the left fist

Charging: referee punches their right hand with the left fist

Travelling: rotating motion denotes carrying the ball

Travelling: rotating motion denotes carrying the ball

Jump ball: When two opposing players both have a grip of the ball for a few seconds the referee will hold their arms aloft to signal a jump ball to decide who wins possession

Jump ball: When two opposing players both have a grip of the ball for a few seconds the referee will hold their arms aloft to signal a jump ball to decide who wins possession

Substitution: arms are crossed high across the chest

Substitution: arms are crossed high across the chest

Three-point basket: both hands go up with three fingers waggling

Three-point basket: both hands go up with three fingers waggling

Two-point basket: left arm raised with two fingers waggling

Two-point basket: left arm raised with two fingers waggling

Time out: The finger points into the palm of the other hand to make the shape of the letter 'T'

Time out: The finger points into the palm of the other hand to make the shape of the letter 'T'

If a player stops dribbling - then starts again instead of passing or shooting the referee with pump his arms to indicate a violation

If a player stops dribbling - then starts again instead of passing or shooting the referee with pump his arms to indicate a violation