Hand Signals

Life is about connection and communication, and communication embodies both verbal and non-verbal messages. Empower your players with non-verbal signals, especially hand signals. These can supplement your other communication methods and codes (e.g. colors, numbers, et cetera). 

The specifics of the signals can vary according to your needs, but I offer a few examples for consideration:

Head patting  = base offense

Fist = pick and roll

Fist without the ball = I am setting you a screen

Hand across chest = I want you to set a screen for me

Pass receiver open hand = where I want the ball

Pass receiver closed hand = intent to cut backdoor

Pass receiver hands in 'catch position' = intent to shoot 

Ballhandler circles off hand = cutting through

We have others to call for 'requested actions' like 'scissors action, slipping a screen, or 'blind pig' ) - No, it's not Sooo-eee...

Sometimes a simple act of staring at a player by another player can be an effective signal. 

I want the players to have as much 'ownership' for the game as possible as they receive guidance and priorities and become the architects of their basketball destiny.