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Step 1
Pay attention to the official's hands during any signal. The hand more than any other part of the body will tell you what call the ref made on a given play.
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Step 2
Notice the relevant hand movement and see if they resemble an actual action or item on the court. For instance, on a pushing foul the officials will signal the foul by mimicking a pushing motion themselves. In addition, if there is goaltending on a play, the official will make a circular motion with his or her fingers representing the basket or goal during a goaltending signal. Using logic helps a person interpret some of the signals from the official.
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Step 3
Watch for a clenched fist by the official. If he holds the clenched fist out to the side of the body, this represents a charging call. If the official raises the clenched fist above the head, this is a personal foul signal. When an official clenches both hands above the head but raises the thumbs this is a signal for a jump or tie ball.
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Step 4
Observe any motion the official uses with both hand. For instance, moving both hands up and down to mimic a dribble is the signal for a double dribble. In addition, if the official rotates each hand one over the other, this is the signal for traveling. For a complete visually illustrated list of all official hand signals, please see the Resources section.
