How to Signal a 3 Point Shot in Basketball

A beautiful 3-point shot

If you are a ref, you need to know how to properly signal a 3-point shot in basketball.

Things You'll Need

• Basic basketball referee skills

Instructions

1. The most important part of being able to signal a 3-point shot in basketball is first making sure you are in the correct position as a referee. Any official can signal the 3-pointer, so be in the right spot to make sure that when it's your call, you can see everything clearly.

2. In order to see that a shot is from behind the arc, the ref needs to be looking at the feet of the shooter. Both feet must be behind the 3-point line at the time of the shot. If either foot, or part of the foot (including a toe), is on or over the line, it is not a 3-point shot.

3. Once it is determined by the referee that the shot is a 3-pointer, the ref first signals to himself that it is a 3. They do this by pointing 3 fingers out to the side of their body, letting everyone who is watching them know that the shot is indeed a 3-pointer.

4. 

   Once the ball goes in, the referee will turn to the scores tables and throw up both arms--just like signaling a touchdown in football. Both arms go up above the head on either side and are held there for a few seconds as the referee begins on his way down to the other side of the floor.

Tips & Warnings

• Though signaling a 3-point shot is incredibly important, the referee should not lose sight of the rest of the game in the process.

• That same referee will usually be responsible for calling a shooting foul on that very same 3-pointer and should be watching the play appropriately in order to make that call.

• Any shot that is near the 3-point line, but is not a 3-point shot, should be corrected marked a 2-pointer by the referee.