How to Signal Foul Shot Violations in Basketball

Follow these steps to correctly signal foul shot violations.

Instructions

1. There are a few violations that can be made while a free throw is taking place. They can be made by the offense, the defense or the shooter.

2. The shooter. If the shooter enters into the painted area anytime before the ball touches the rim, it is a violation. This means if their foot crosses or goes over the free throw line, it is a violation. Across the line, they should blow their whistle and call out the violation. They should point at the free throw line, showing where the violation occurred and waive off the basket, if necessary, by using both hands in a lateral-waving motion.

3. Players lined up at the paint. If any player (offense or defense) steps into the painted area before the ball leaves the shooter's hand, it is a violation. To make a call, the ref will first make a fist out to their side. After the shot, the ref will then blow their whistle and make the call. All that is needed to to say that there was a violation and point to the player who committed the infraction.

4. Players outside the three-point line. No player (offense or defense) who is outside of the three-point area can cross the three-point line anytime after the referee gives the ball to the shooter. If someone does, again, the ref should make a fist out to their side and then blow their whistle and make the call after the shot. To do this, the ref will again just signal the violation and point to the player who committed the violation.

5. Lane violations are the only delayed calls in basketball. This means that even if a violation occurs, the referee should not blow their whistle. The call is only made if the outcome of the free throw is effected by the violation. Only make a violation call on the defense if the shot was missed. Then award the shooter another shot. Only make a violation call on the offense if the shot was made. Then waive off the basket and the player loses the attempt. Always make the violation on the shooter.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to pay attention to who committed the violation and what the outcome of the free throw shot was. Only make the call (blow the whistle) when appropriate. 


• NBA referees are extremely lax when it comes to lane violations. They really should not be studied for the average referee.