Helena Frye
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It involves an official tossing the ball into the air between two opposing players, who then attempt to gain control of it. Jump balls are used in the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball to start the game, any extra periods, and to settle special situations. While the ball's trajectory is typically delivered at a near vertical angle, this is not required, and players can use a variety of throwing styles. Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball, with quirky styles and interpretations of rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | At the start of the game, start of any extra period, to settle held balls, when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard, and to settle special situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is entitled to the ball |
| Players | Two opposing players |
| Official's Role | Tosses the ball into the air between the players |
| Possession | Awarded to the team that is moving in the direction of the possession arrow on offense |
| Arrow | Points to the team that lost the opening tip at the start of the game |
| Jumping Style | One-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded |
| Trajectory | Near vertical angle |
| Notable Players | Ken Mauer, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming |
| Strategy | Tip forward to the biggest player, maintain defensive balance, watch the jumper's eyes and hands |
| Defense | Establish strong pass denial positions, rotate early, box out |
| Alignment | "Y" alignment, two players back |
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What You'll Learn
When to use a jump ball
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It is used in the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball.
A jump ball is used at the start of the game (called the opening tip or opening tip-off) and the start of any extra period (tip-off). It is also used to settle situations where penalties cancel out and neither team is entitled to the ball, and to settle held balls. Held balls occur when two opposing players lay equal claim to the ball and 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 can also occur when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard.
In the NBA, if there is doubt as to which team last touched the ball before it went out of bounds, a jump ball is used to resume play. If a player is injured, ejected, or disqualified, their substitute may not participate in the jump ball. The opposing team's coach will select a player from the other team's bench to replace the injured or ejected player.
In college basketball, the possession arrow rule is used to determine when a jump ball is used. This rule states that a jump ball is used during an alternating-possession situation, which can include a held ball, a free-throw violation, a technical foul, or a live ball becoming wedged between the backboard and rim. The arrow remains off until one team gains possession after the tip-off, then it is turned on and points to the team that lost the opening tip.
In other competitions besides the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, the alternating possession rule is used to settle all jump ball situations after the opening tip.
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How to throw a jump ball
A jump ball is a method used to begin or resume play in basketball. It involves an official tossing the ball into the air between two opposing players, who then attempt to gain control of it. Jump balls occur at the start of the game, the start of any extra periods, and to settle special situations.
Preparation
Ensure that the jump ball is being conducted according to the rules. The jump ball shall be between any two opponents in the game at that time. If a player is injured, ejected, or disqualified, their substitute may not participate in the jump ball. The coach of the opposing team will select a player from their opponent's bench to replace the injured or ejected player.
Positioning
Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle that is farthest from their own basket. Both jumpers must have both feet within the restraining circle. The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
Throwing the Ball
Officials have discretion over the throwing style, which can include one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, or overhanded throws. The ball is typically delivered at a near-vertical angle, but this is not required.
Tapping the Ball
The ball must be tapped by one or both players after it reaches its highest point. Neither player may tap the ball before it reaches its highest point or catch it until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard. Neither player may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped.
Resetting the Jump Ball
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 for another toss. Neither player may tap the ball more than twice on any jump.
Remember, jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball, so there is room for creativity and strategy in how you choose to throw and play the jump ball.
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Offensive strategies
Timing
Players should time their jumps perfectly to attain the highest possible reach and tip the ball in their team's favour. This is a crucial aspect of winning a jump ball, as even the tallest players can lose if their timing is off.
Positioning
Players should position themselves correctly, facing the direction they want the ball to go after the tip. They should also anticipate the direction of the tip and be ready to make a play. This includes boxing out and establishing an inside position, especially in even jump ball situations.
Communication
Effective communication with teammates is essential. Players should communicate and plan their first play after winning the jump ball. Each player on the court has a specific role, and coordination is key to success.
Height Advantage
If your team has a height advantage, utilise it! Generally, the tip should go forward to the tallest player, who can then tap or pass the ball to a teammate. However, be mindful that height is not the only factor, as timing and positioning also play crucial roles.
Watch the Jumper
Players should pay attention to the jumper's eyes and hands to gain a competitive edge. Jumpers often telegraph the direction in which they will tap the ball. Most right-handed jumpers will tip forward to their left, and left-handed players will tip to their right.
Offensive Plays
There are various offensive plays that can be run after gaining possession of the jump ball. These include Possession, Double Tap, Split, Jumper Fly, Forward Fly, Spread, Tandem, and Loop. The choice of play will depend on the specific situation and your team's strengths.
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Defensive strategies
Understanding Jump Ball Dynamics: Firstly, it's important to recognize when jump balls occur and their purpose. Jump balls typically happen at the start of a basketball game, marking the beginning of play. They can also occur during key moments to determine possession when two teams have simultaneous claims to the ball. During a jump ball, the referee tosses the ball vertically into the air between two opposing players, who jump and attempt to tap it to a teammate.
Defensive Rotations and Alignment: One key defensive strategy is to encourage early rotations. When facing a taller opponent or a superior jumper, instruct your players to move and rotate early to gain a strategic advantage. Additionally, consider using defensive alignments such as the ""Y" alignment, which places two defenders back near the top of the free throw circle. This strategy helps eliminate easy shots and forces the opponent to set up their offence.
Reading Your Opponent: Train your players to observe their opponents' eyes and hands during jump balls. Jumpers often telegraph the direction in which they intend to tap the ball. For example, a right-handed jumper will typically tip the ball forward to their left. By anticipating your opponent's moves, you can better position your defenders to disrupt their play.
Pass Denial and Ball Possession: Establish strong pass denial positions with defenders X1 and X2 to prevent your opponent from tipping the ball forward. Meanwhile, defenders X3 and X4 should focus on grabbing the two spots in line with the basket, with non-jumpers boxing out. Additionally, work on maintaining contact with the jumper after the ball is tipped, as many jump ball plays involve the jumper.
Defensive Balance and Offence Transition: When you gain possession of the ball, ensure your defence recovers quickly. If a good shot opportunity is not available, transition smoothly into a set offence or motion offence. This defensive balance helps prevent your opponents from capitalizing on defensive lapses.
By implementing these defensive strategies, your team can improve its ability to handle jump balls and gain an advantage during basketball games.
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Jump ball rules
Jump balls are a traditional part of basketball, but the rules around them are somewhat flexible and open to interpretation. Jump balls are 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.
There are different types of jump balls: defensive, even, and offensive. In a defensive jump ball, the opponent has a definite advantage and control is doubtful. In an even jump ball, both teams have an almost equal chance of controlling the tip. In an offensive jump ball, your team has a definite advantage, and the chances of controlling the tip are very good.
Jump balls occur at the start of the game, the start of any extra period, to settle penalties, and to settle held balls. Held balls occur when two opposing players lay equal claim to the ball and end up in a stalemate. A jump ball may also be called if there are different calls by two or more referees or if the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard.
There are some rules around the positioning of the players during a jump ball. Each jumper must have at least one foot on or inside the half of the jumping circle that is farthest from their basket. Each jumper must have both feet within the restraining circle. 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, an official will whistle the ball dead and signal another toss. Neither player may tap the ball before it reaches its highest point or catch it before it touches a non-jumper, the floor, the basket, or the backboard. Neither player may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped. The eight non-jumpers remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
A jump ball is used at the start of the game, at the start of any extra periods, to settle held ball situations, and when there are different calls by referees. It is also used when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard, although this is rare.
Some strategies include maintaining defensive balance, gaining a competitive edge by watching the opponent's eyes and hands, and tipping the ball forward to the tallest player on your team. Additionally, defenders should establish strong pass denial positions and anticipate and rotate into open spots.
