Amanda Knapp
A jump ball is a method of putting the ball in play in basketball. It occurs at the start of the game, the start of any extra period, or to settle special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is entitled to the ball. It also occurs when the ball is held by two opposing players, both claiming equal possession, and after trying to wrestle it from each other, they end up in a stalemate. The rules for jump balls are relatively relaxed, with penalties rarely called for players touching the ball before it has reached the peak of its throw.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Competitions using jump balls | NBA, WNBA, Euroleague Basketball |
| Competitions using alternating possession rule | All competitions other than the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball |
| Competitions using alternating possession arrow rule | College basketball (since 1981), FIBA (since 2003) |
| Competitions not using jump balls | 3x3 basketball |
| Occasions for jump balls | Start of the game, start of any extra period, to settle special situations, held balls, different referee calls, ball wedged between goal and backboard |
| Jump ball rules | Both feet within the restraining circle, no tapping before the ball reaches its highest point, no leaving the jumping circle until the ball is tapped, no catching the ball until it touches a non-jumper, the floor, the basket or the backboard |
| Held ball | When two opposing players lay equal claim to the ball and end up in a stalemate |
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What You'll Learn
When is a jump ball called?
A jump ball is called in a number of situations during a basketball game. Firstly, a jump ball occurs at the start of the game, known as the opening tip or opening tip-off. It also takes place at the start of any extra period, or overtime, and at the beginning of the fourth period.
A jump ball is also used to settle certain in-game situations. For example, 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, this is known as a 'held ball'. In this situation, a jump ball may be called to decide possession. A jump ball may also be called if there are different calls made by two or more referees, or if the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, a jump ball is used to settle these situations, as well as any other special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is previously entitled to the ball.
It is worth noting that 3x3 basketball, a formalized version of half-court three-on-three basketball, does not use jump balls at any time during a game.
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Jump ball rules
Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball. They are used in the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball competitions. A jump ball occurs at the start of the game (called the opening tip or opening tip-off), the start of any extra period (tip-off), to settle special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is 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.
Jump ball throw styles vary, and may feature misdirection to catch players off guard. In the NBA, players are technically supposed to touch the ball only after it has reached the top of its flight arc, but slight breaking of this rule, known as "stealing the toss", is commonplace, tolerated, and arguably expected of players. Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside that half of the jumping circle, which is farthest from their own basket. Each jumper must have both feet within the restraining circle. The ball must be tapped by one or both of the players participating in the jump ball after it reaches its highest point. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped by at least one of the jumpers, an official will whistle the ball dead and signal another toss. Neither jumper may tap the tossed ball before it reaches its highest point. Neither jumper may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped. Neither jumper may catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard. The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
Most competitions other than the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball use the alternating possession rule to settle jump ball situations after the opening tip. This uses a possession arrow on the scorekeeper's table. Whenever such a jump ball situation occurs, possession of the ball is awarded to the team that is moving in the direction of the possession arrow on offense. The arrow then swaps to point to the other team. At the start of the game, the arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip.
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Jump ball throw styles
Some referees might move their heads side to side, checking on all players, before tossing the ball with two hands. Others might talk to the jumpers and then toss the ball mid-sentence, or bounce the ball while talking, varying the height and number of bounces to keep players guessing. Some referees might even feint throwing the ball, rocking forward on their feet to make players jump prematurely.
The variety in throwing styles is part of what makes the jump ball such a unique and quirky aspect of basketball. While height is an advantage for players, agility and the ability to time the throw are more important when it comes to securing possession.
The jump ball has been a part of basketball since its early days, and while the rules have evolved, it remains an essential and exciting part of the game.
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Jump ball players
During a jump ball, two opposing players compete for possession of the ball. Each jumper must position themselves within the jumping circle, with at least one foot on the half of the circle farthest from their basket. The ball is then tossed, and players must wait for it to reach its highest point before attempting to tap it towards their teammates. Neither player is permitted to leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped, and they cannot catch the ball directly from the tap. If the ball fails to be tapped and falls to the floor, the officials will call for another toss.
The rules regarding jump balls are relatively relaxed, and slight infractions, such as touching the ball before it reaches its peak, are often tolerated. Jump ball throw styles can vary, sometimes incorporating misdirection to catch players off guard. While height can be an advantage during a jump ball, players of shorter stature can utilise strategies such as jumping higher or using their wingspan to their advantage.
In college basketball and certain other competitions, the alternating possession arrow rule is used instead of jump balls to settle possession disputes. This rule was implemented due to concerns about inconsistent fairness in tosses by referees. However, the use of jump balls remains a subject of debate, with some advocating for their importance in the sport.
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Possession arrow
The possession arrow is a rule unique to college basketball, differentiating it from professional basketball. Officially called the alternating-possession procedure, it is used in place of a jump ball to put the ball in play with a throw-in.
The possession arrow is used in an alternating-possession situation, which can occur in the following scenarios: a held ball, a free-throw violation, a technical foul, and when no team is in control and a live ball becomes wedged between the backboard and the rim. The possession arrow is turned on only after the opening tip-off, where it 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 arrow then swaps to point to the other team.
The use of the possession arrow is controversial. Advocates of the rule argue that it ensures fairer outcomes, as referees may not always be able to ensure fair tosses in jump balls. Opponents, however, argue that jump balls are a vital part of the sport.
It is important to note that the possession arrow is not used in all basketball competitions. The NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball use the traditional jump ball to settle all jump ball situations after the opening tip.
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Frequently asked questions
A jump ball is called at the start of a basketball game, at the start of any extra period, to settle held balls, and to settle situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is entitled to the ball. A jump ball may also be called if there are different calls by two or more referees.
A held ball occurs 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.
Each jumper must have at least one foot on 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. Neither jumper may tap the ball before it reaches its highest point or leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped.
