Amanda Knapp
The possession arrow is a rule unique to college basketball that determines which team gets the ball following a jump ball situation. In the NBA, a jump ball is used every time there is a question of possession, whereas in college basketball, the possession arrow is used to speed up the game and prevent injury or gross mismatches in size. The arrow immediately flips to the other team once the ball is successfully inbounded, and if the ball goes out of bounds, it goes to the other team.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Used in college basketball to speed up the game and prevent players from getting hurt or having a gross mismatch in size having to do a proverbial jump ball |
| Definition | Officially known as the alternating-possession procedure, 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" |
| Activation | Remains off until one team attains possession of the ball after the tip-off. Once that happens, it's turned on and points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip |
| Alternation | The arrow alternates, so if one team wins the opening tip-off, the arrow belongs to the team that missed out on it first |
| Activation time | The arrow remains off until one team attains possession of the ball after tip-off |
| Jump ball | When two teams centre on two players jumping for the ball. For example, at the beginning of the game (tip-off). A referee can also call a jump ball when two people on different teams hold the ball at the same time |
| Activation scenarios | An alternating-possession situation, which can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, or technical foul, when no team is in control and a live ball becomes wedged between the backboard and the rim |
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What You'll Learn
The possession arrow is used in college basketball
The possession arrow is a rule unique to college basketball, differentiating it from professional basketball. It is officially known as the alternating-possession procedure and 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 is used during an alternating-possession situation, which can occur in several ways: a held ball, a free-throw violation, a technical foul, or when a live ball becomes wedged between the backboard and the rim. In these situations, the arrow determines which team will gain possession of the ball without the need for a jump ball. Every college basketball game starts with a jump ball at centre court, after which the possession arrow is activated and points towards the team that lost the opening tip. This team will be awarded the ball when the next alternating-possession situation arises.
The possession arrow rule has been criticised by some, who argue that it takes away from the excitement and unpredictability of a jump ball scenario. However, others defend its use, citing its time-saving benefits and the reduction in the number of jump balls needed during a game. Additionally, coaches appreciate the predictability it offers in strategic planning.
While there have been speculations about the eventual removal of the possession arrow rule in college basketball, with comparisons drawn to FIBA rules, no significant movement has been made towards its elimination. This may be due to the lack of a strong collective push for change, as well as the practical benefits the rule provides in streamlining the game and reducing variables for coaches.
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It speeds up the game and prevents injuries
The possession arrow speeds up the game and prevents injuries in several ways. Firstly, it eliminates the need for jump balls, where players from opposing teams jump to gain possession of the ball, which can be time-consuming and potentially dangerous. By reducing the number of jump balls, the game flow is improved, and the risk of injury from players colliding is minimised.
Secondly, the possession arrow provides a quick and efficient method of determining possession during alternating-possession situations, such as held balls, free-throw violations, or technical fouls. In these situations, the arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip-off, granting them possession without the need for a jump ball. This streamlined process keeps the game moving at a faster pace.
Additionally, the predictability of the possession arrow is advantageous. Coaches can strategise more effectively when they know in advance which team will gain possession in alternating-possession situations. This strategic element adds depth to the game and can lead to more dynamic and exciting gameplay.
While some critics have called for the removal of the possession arrow, arguing that it can lead to inconsistencies, others defend its presence in college basketball. The arrow plays a crucial role in saving time, reducing the occurrence of jump balls, and providing a clear indication of possession, ultimately contributing to a faster-paced and safer game.
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It alternates possession after the opening tipoff
The possession arrow is a rule unique to college basketball, differentiating it from professional basketball. It is officially known as the alternating-possession procedure and is defined as "a method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball."
The possession arrow is used during alternating-possession situations, such as a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul. It is also used when no team is in control, or when a live ball becomes wedged between the backboard and the rim.
Every college basketball game starts with a jump ball at center court. The possession arrow remains off until one team gains possession of the ball after the opening tip-off. Once that happens, the arrow is turned on and points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip. This team will be given the ball when the next alternating-possession situation occurs.
The possession arrow is advantageous as it saves time and reduces the number of jump balls during a game. It also adds an element of predictability, which coaches appreciate as it helps them eliminate variables and make more informed strategic decisions.
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It's used instead of a jump ball
The possession arrow is used in basketball games, specifically in college basketball, as an alternative to a jump ball. It is used to determine which team gets the ball after a jump ball situation, without the players having to jump for it.
A jump ball occurs when two players from opposing teams simultaneously hold the ball, or when two players jump for the ball at the beginning of the game (or sometimes after halftime). In these situations, a referee will call a jump ball, and the possession arrow is then used to indicate which team should be awarded the ball.
The possession arrow is officially known as the alternating-possession procedure. It is only activated once a team has gained possession of the ball after the initial jump ball at the start of the game. It then points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip-off, indicating that this team will be given the ball during the next alternating-possession situation.
The use of the possession arrow is a point of contention for some, who believe it should be removed and replaced by a traditional jump ball scenario. However, others argue that it saves time, reduces the number of jump balls during a game, and provides a predictable outcome that coaches appreciate.
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It's predictable and coaches like that
The possession arrow in basketball, also known as the alternating-possession procedure, is a rule that dictates which team gets the ball after a jump ball situation. This occurs when two players from opposing teams simultaneously hold the ball, or when the ball becomes wedged between the backboard and rim.
The possession arrow is particularly relevant in college basketball, where it is used to determine possession without the need for a jump ball. This saves time and reduces the number of jump balls during a game, making it more predictable and easier for coaches to strategize.
Coaches in college basketball appreciate the predictability offered by the possession arrow. By eliminating variables, coaches can more effectively plan their team's strategy. The fact that there hasn't been a major movement to change the rule suggests that coaches are content with the current system.
The possession arrow can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game, as seen in the 1998 National Championship where Stanford caused a tie-up, but the possession arrow gave the ball back to Kentucky, who ultimately won by a small margin.
While some critics argue for a return to the pre-1987 format without a possession arrow, others recognize its practicality in streamlining the game and reducing the need for frequent jump balls.
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