How to Signal Blocking in Basketball

Blocking foul, coming right up!

This article will show the reader how to correctly signal a blocking foul in basketball.

Things You'll Need

• Basic basketball referee skills.

Instructions

The Blocking Foul

1. One of the most important parts of being able to correctly make a blocking foul call is being in the right position. The only difference between a block and a charge could be something as small as a flinch or small movement. Being in position will make seeing these things much easier and allow you to make the correct call.

2. A blocking foul is pretty simple - when a defender obstructs the path of an offensive player, or blocking them, a blocking foul should be called on the defender. The main distinction between blocking and charging is positioning. Each player is entitled to their own space. Basically, if the offensive player has the right to the space at the point of contact with a defender, it is a blocking foul.

3. To correctly signal a blocking foul, the referee will first blow their whistle to stop play. The ref will then take both arms and swing them down toward their hips, striking each hip with an elbow. They will then put a fist in the air to signal the foul call and with the other hand, point to the defender who committed the violation.

Tips & Warnings

• The most important part about calling a blocking foul is "selling" the call. Many blocking calls could just as easily be charging violations, so sell the call. That means make the call and be sure of it - don't back down or get quiet.