Amanda Knapp
Jump balls are an integral part of basketball, used to begin or resume play. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. While jump balls are an exciting aspect of the game, they are relatively unregulated. This article will explore the nuances of jump balls in basketball, including their history, rules, and impact on gameplay. We will also discuss variations in rules across different leagues and the strategies employed by players to gain an advantage during a jump ball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | At the start of the game, start of any extra period, to settle penalties, held balls, referee disagreements, and rare situations where the ball is wedged between the goal and backboard. |
| Participants | Two opposing players and an official. |
| Procedure | The official tosses the ball into the air between the players, who then attempt to gain control of it. |
| Rules | Each player must have at least one foot within the jumping circle, and neither player may leave their half of the circle until the ball is tapped. The ball must be tapped after it reaches its highest point, and neither player may tap it more than twice. |
| Variations | The NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball use jump balls, while other leagues use the alternating possession rule with a possession arrow. |
| Strategy | Factors such as blocking out, anticipating the ball's trajectory, and hustle can contribute to winning a jump ball, rather than solely relying on height. |
| Leniency | Referees may be reluctant to call violations during jump balls as they interrupt the flow of the game. |
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What You'll Learn
When are jump balls used?
Jump balls are used to begin or resume play in basketball. They occur at the start of the game (called the opening tip or opening tip-off) and at the start of any extra period (tip-off). Jump balls are also used to settle special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is previously entitled to the ball, and to settle any held balls. Held balls occur when two opposing players both lay equal claim to the ball, and after trying to wrestle it from each other, end up in a stalemate. A jump ball may also be called if there are different calls by two or more referees. Although rare, a jump ball occurs when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, jump balls are used in the situations described above. However, most other competitions use the alternating possession rule to settle all jump ball situations after the opening tip. This uses a possession arrow on the scorekeeper's table. The possession arrow is a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball.
James Naismith's original rules for basketball included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. The NCAA first changed these rules in 1937, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA mirrored the NCAA's jump ball rules in 1949, and made a further change in 1975, removing jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters. The NCAA implemented alternating possession rules in 1981, awarding possession sequentially for all jump ball situations after the opening tip at the beginning of the game. The WNBA and Euroleague Basketball have adopted the NBA's jump ball rules, while other leagues have implemented alternating possession.
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How do players jump for the ball?
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It involves two opposing players attempting to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them.
The players must adhere to several rules during a jump ball. Each player must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle farthest from their basket, and they must stay within this circle. Neither player is allowed to tap the ball before it reaches its highest point. Once the ball has been tapped, the non-jumpers can move into the circle.
There are various throwing styles for jump balls, including one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded. The ball is typically thrown at a near-vertical angle, but this is not a requirement.
While height can be an advantage during a jump ball, it is not always the deciding factor. Strategy and athleticism also play a significant role, such as anticipating where the ball will go and timing your jump accordingly.
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What are the rules for the official tossing the ball?
When tossing the ball, the official must ensure that each jumper has at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle that is farthest from their basket. Both players' feet must remain within the restraining circle. The official can vary their throwing style, but the ball is typically delivered at a near-vertical angle. However, this is not a requirement, and officials may use one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, or overhanded styles.
The official must also ensure that neither jumper taps the ball before it reaches its highest point. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped, the official must whistle and signal another toss. Neither player may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped, and they cannot catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches a non-jumper, the floor, the basket, or the backboard. The eight non-jumpers must remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
If a player is injured, ejected, or disqualified, their substitute cannot participate in the jump ball. Instead, the opposing team's coach chooses a player from their opponent's bench to replace the injured or ejected player. The injured player cannot re-enter the game. If a player is removed for a concussion evaluation, their coach can select one of the remaining players in the game to participate in the jump and may return if they are cleared to play.
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How does height impact a jump ball?
Height can be an advantage in jump balls in basketball, as taller players can typically jump higher and release the ball from a higher point. This can make it easier for them to gain control of the ball during a jump ball situation.
However, it is important to note that height is not the only factor that determines success in a jump ball. Timing, jumping ability, and strategy also play a significant role. Taller players may have a height advantage, but shorter players can still win a jump ball if they have better timing, quicker reflexes, or a different strategy.
For example, in the NBA, Shaquille O'Neal, one of the tallest players in the league, had a high success rate in jump balls, winning over 76% of his jump balls. On the other hand, Yao Ming, who was even taller than O'Neal, had a lower success rate of only 41.8%. This shows that while height can provide an advantage, it does not guarantee success in a jump ball.
Additionally, the rules and format of the jump ball itself can vary across different leagues and competitions. For instance, the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball include a jump ball at the start of the game and to settle specific situations, while other competitions may use an alternating possession rule or a pre-game coin toss to determine possession.
Overall, while height can impact a player's ability to reach the ball during a jump ball, it is not the sole determinant of success. A combination of factors, including timing, strategy, and rules, also come into play and can influence the outcome of a jump ball situation in basketball.
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How does the alternating possession arrow work?
The alternating possession arrow, also known as the possession arrow, is a rule that differentiates college basketball from professional basketball. It is defined in the NCAA rulebook as "a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball."
The possession arrow comes into play during an alternating-possession situation, which can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul. It is also used when no team is in control and a live ball becomes wedged between the backboard and the rim.
At the start of the game, the possession arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip. When an alternating-possession situation occurs, the team that the arrow is pointing toward is awarded possession. After this, the arrow is reversed, pointing to the other team, who will then have possession in the next situation. This process is repeated for every alternating-possession situation.
The arrow is also reversed if a player touches and causes the ball to go out of bounds or if the team in possession commits a throw-in violation. However, if a foul is committed by either team during a throw-in attempt, the arrow will not be reversed.
Prior to the start of the second half, the direction of the arrow is changed to account for the teams switching ends of the court. If the game goes into overtime, the possession arrow is reset, adhering to the same format as the start of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. Two opposing players attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, a jump ball occurs at the start of the game, the start of any extra period, to settle held balls, and when penalties cancel out. In other competitions, the alternating possession rule is used to settle jump ball situations after the opening tip.
Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle that is farthest from their basket. The ball must be tapped by one or both players after it reaches its highest point. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped, another toss will be made. Neither player may leave their half of the circle until the ball has been tapped.
Throwing styles can vary, including one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded. The ball is usually delivered at a near-vertical angle, but this is not required.
