The National Basketball Association (NBA) has become one of the most beloved sports leagues in the world. Fans from all over the world tune in to watch the best athletes in the world compete for the championship title each year. But one thing that’s become a staple of the game is NBA players putting their hands up. This is a common gesture that’s seen throughout the game, from a player signaling for a pass to a player asking for a foul call. It’s something that’s become so commonplace that it has almost become second nature for players, but why do NBA players put their hands up?
What Does It Mean?
When you see a player put their hands up in the NBA, it’s typically a signal to their teammates or referees that they need something. It could be a signal to their teammate that they’re open and need a pass or it could be a signal to the referee that they’re asking for a foul call. It’s a universal language that all players understand and it’s a signal that’s used in almost every sport.
Defensive Signaling
On the defensive side of the ball, putting your hands up is a way for a player to signal to their teammates that they need help. When a player puts their hands up, it typically means that they are in a vulnerable position and need someone to come to their aid. It’s a way for a player to tell their teammates that they need help defending the player that they’re guarding.
Offensive Signaling
On the offensive side of the ball, putting your hands up is a way for a player to signal to their teammates that they’re open and need the ball. It’s a way for a player to tell their teammates that they’re open and ready for a pass. It’s also a way for a player to signal to their teammates that they’re ready for a screen or a pick and roll.
Foul Signaling
When a player puts their hands up, it’s also a way for them to signal to the referees that they’ve been fouled. It’s a way for a player to tell the referees that they need a call and it’s a way for a player to draw attention to the fact that they’ve been fouled. It’s also a way for a player to show the referees that they’re in the process of shooting the ball and need a foul call.
Rebounding Signaling
When a player is trying to rebound the ball, they often put their hands up to signal to their teammates that they’re open and ready for the ball. It’s a way for a player to tell their teammates that they’re open and ready to grab the ball when it comes off the rim or the backboard.
Spacing Signaling
When a player is trying to create space on the court, they often put their hands up to signal to their teammates that they need space. It’s a way for a player to tell their teammates that they need to move in order for them to get open for a shot or to get open for a pass.
Deflecting Signaling
When a player is trying to deflect a pass or a shot, they often put their hands up to signal to the referees that they’ve deflected the ball. It’s a way for a player to show the referees that they’ve had an impact on the play and that they need a call to be made.
Screening Signaling
When a player is setting a screen, they often put their hands up to signal to their teammates that they’re open and ready for a pass. It’s a way for a player to tell their teammates that they’re open and ready to receive a pass when the ball swings around.
Blocking Signaling
When a player is trying to block a shot, they often put their hands up to signal to the referees that they’ve blocked the shot. It’s a way for a player to show the referees that they’ve had an impact on the play and that they need a call to be made.
Conclusion
Putting your hands up is an important part of the game of basketball and it’s a gesture that’s used by NBA players in almost every situation. From signaling for a pass to signaling for a foul call, putting your hands up is a universal language that all players understand. It’s a way for players to communicate with their teammates and referees and it’s a way for them to have an impact on the game.