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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. Jump balls are called in specific situations, such as at the beginning of the game, after each scored basket, or when two players are in a stalemate, holding the ball so tightly that neither can gain possession. While the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball have specific rules for jump balls, most other competitions use the alternating possession rule, where a possession arrow indicates which team gets the ball. Winning a jump ball can give a team an advantage, but it is not the sole determining factor in the game's outcome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is a jump ball called? | When two opposing players gain simultaneous possession of the ball, or the referee calls for it due to a specific situation. |
| How is it called? | An official tosses the ball up into the air between the two players. |
| Who takes the jump ball? | Any two players can take the jump ball to begin the game. Other instances must be taken by the two players most closely involved with the play. |
| Where does the jump ball take place? | The ball is tossed at the nearest circle on the court, which is usually at the free-throw line or half-court. |
| Rules | Players must stand within the circle at the center of the court. They cannot touch the ball before it reaches its highest point. Players cannot catch or hold the ball during the jump. If a player commits a violation, the opposing team gets possession of the ball. |
| Occurrence | There is at least one jump ball in every single NBA contest. However, they are called less frequently due to rule changes. |
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What You'll Learn
When to call a jump ball
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It is called when two opposing players gain simultaneous possession of the ball, or the referee calls for it due to a specific situation.
A jump ball typically occurs in the following situations:
- At the beginning of the game: A jump ball is used to determine which team gets the first possession of the ball. It is also referred to as the tip-off or opening tip.
- After a scored basket: In the early days of basketball, jump balls were held after every basket. However, this rule has changed over time. Now, jump balls are rarely used to restart play after a basket, with most leagues adopting alternating possession rules.
- After a held-ball situation: This occurs when two opposing players are holding the ball so tightly that neither can secure sole possession without undue roughness. In this situation, the referee will call for a jump ball to restart play.
- When the ball becomes lodged: A jump ball may be called if the ball becomes wedged between the goal and the backboard.
- To settle special situations: A jump ball may be called to settle special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is previously entitled to the ball.
- When referees disagree: Although rare, a jump ball may be called if there are different calls made by two or more referees.
It is important to note that the usage and rules regarding jump balls can vary across different basketball leagues and competitions. While the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball still use jump balls in specific situations, other leagues have adopted the alternating possession rule to settle most jump ball situations.
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How to toss the ball
To toss the ball for a jump ball, the official must first position the players from opposing teams within the circle at the centre of the court. The official then tosses the ball into the air between the two players, who jump to gain possession of it. The players must not touch the ball before it reaches its highest point, and they are not allowed to catch or hold the ball during the jump. Instead, they must tip the ball to a teammate.
There are several styles of jump ball toss, some of which may involve misdirection to catch players off guard. The rules for jump ball tosses are relatively relaxed, and penalties are rarely called on players who touch the ball before it has reached the peak of its throw. However, if a player commits a violation during a jump ball, such as holding the ball or interfering with the other player, the opposing team will gain possession.
In some cases, the official may not be present to toss the ball. In these instances, the two players involved in the jump ball situation will toss the ball at the nearest circle on the court, which is usually at the free-throw line or half-court.
Jump balls are a traditional part of basketball, dating back to the sport's early days. They are used to start or resume play and can occur in various situations, such as at the beginning of the game, after a scored basket, or when two players are wrestling for possession.
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Player positioning
Player Selection
Any two players from opposing teams can participate in the jump ball to begin the game. However, for other jump ball instances, the two players primarily involved in the play must take the jump ball, except in cases of injury or ejection.
Court Positioning
The official tosses the ball at the centre circle on the court, also known as the jumping circle. If the jump ball occurs during overtime periods, it takes place at the half-court line. Each player must position themselves within the circle, ensuring that at least one foot is on or inside their half of the circle.
Ball Toss
The players jumping for the ball cannot touch or catch the ball before it reaches its highest point. They are also not allowed to hold the ball during the jump. Instead, they must attempt to tip the ball to a teammate. Interfering with the other player during the jump is not permitted.
Possession Rules
Once the ball is tipped, any player from either team can gain possession of it. If a player commits a violation, such as holding the ball during the jump, the referee will award possession of the ball to the opposing team.
Alternating Possession
In some leagues, the alternating possession arrow rule is used instead of a jump ball. This rule awards possession based on the direction of an arrow on the scorekeeper's table, which then switches to the other team after a team gains possession.
Therefore, during a jump ball in basketball, players must adhere to specific positioning rules to ensure fair play and allow for a competitive tip-off.
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Rules and violations
The rules and violations regarding jump balls in basketball vary across different leagues and levels of the game. Here are the key rules and violations commonly observed:
Rules
- Beginning of the Game: All basketball leagues start the game with a jump ball at the center court. This is done by tossing the ball vertically between two opposing players, who jump and attempt to tap it to a teammate.
- Overtime and Extra Periods: The use of jump balls during overtime and extra periods depends on the league. Some leagues, like the NBA, use jump balls, while others, like college basketball, use the alternating possession arrow rule.
- Held Balls: Held balls refer to situations where two opposing players have equal claim to the ball but end up in a stalemate. The handling of held balls varies; some leagues use jump balls, while others use the alternating possession rule.
- Special Situations: Jump balls can also be used to settle special situations, such as conflicting calls by referees or when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard.
- Player Involvement: Any two players can take part in the jump ball to begin the game. However, in other instances, the two players most closely involved with the play must participate, except in cases of injury or ejection.
- Foot Placement: Each player must have at least one foot on or inside their half of the jumping circle. They must stay within this circle until the ball is touched.
- Tapping the Ball: Players are not allowed to tap the ball more than twice. They must wait until the ball reaches its highest point before touching it. Catching the ball before it touches another player is also a violation.
Violations
- Violation Consequences: If a violation occurs during a jump ball, the referee will blow the whistle to stop the play. The ball is then awarded to the opposing team, and they may throw it from the sideline closest to the violation.
- Personal Fouls: Any personal foul committed prior to either team obtaining possession during a jump ball is ruled as a "loose ball" foul. If the violation occurs before the ball is tapped, the game clock and shot clock remain stopped.
- Bad Toss: If the official makes a bad toss, the jump ball is repeated with the same jumpers.
- Infrequent Calling: It is worth noting that violations during jump balls are rarely called, especially during opening tips. This may be due to a reluctance to start the game on a negative note or a sense of leniency among officials.
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Alternatives to a jump ball
Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball, and while they are one of the sport's most recognisable traditions, not all leagues handle them in the same way. Here are some alternatives to the jump ball:
Alternating possession arrow
The alternating possession arrow is used by FIBA, NCAA, and high school basketball, and was introduced in 1981. This rule ensures that both teams have equal opportunities for possession without relying solely on height. This system prioritises simplicity and avoids frequent stoppages, especially at lower levels of play.
Coin toss
The pre-game coin toss is used in 3x3, a formalized version of half-court three-on-three basketball overseen by FIBA. The winner of the coin toss can choose to have the first possession at the start of the game or at the beginning of any extra period.
Shoot for the ball
Instead of a jump ball, players could shoot for the ball. This alternative would likely only work at a professional level, as amateur players would likely miss too many shots.
Dodgeball-style race
The referee drops the ball at mid-court while the two players race from under their basket to gain possession, similar to a dodgeball game.
Rock-paper-scissors
Teams play rock-paper-scissors to decide possession at the start of the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A jump ball is called to start or resume play in basketball. It is called when two opposing players gain simultaneous possession of the ball, or when the referee calls for it due to a specific situation.
The players jumping for the ball must stand within the circle at the center of the court. Players cannot touch the ball before it reaches its highest point. They are not allowed to catch or hold the ball during the jump. Once the ball is tipped, any player can gain possession of it.
A jump ball may be called at the beginning of the game, after each scored basket, after a held-ball situation, or when the ball becomes lodged between the backboard and the rim. It can also be called if there are different calls made by two or more referees.
Winning the jump ball can give a team a significant advantage, but it is not the only determining factor in the outcome of the game.
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