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 occur at the start of the game, the start of any extra period, to settle special situations, and to settle held balls. The NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball use jump balls, while other competitions use the alternating possession rule. Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball, with varied throwing styles and room for players to bend or break the rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Occurrence | At the start of the game, the start of any extra period, to settle held balls, or when the ball becomes wedged between the goal and backboard. |
| Participants | Two opposing players |
| Objective | To gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between the players. |
| Tossing styles | One-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded. |
| Ball trajectory | Near vertical angle, but not required. |
| Possession rules | The team that gains first possession of the game will put the ball into play at their opponent's endline to begin the fourth period. |
| Violations | Players must not touch the ball before it reaches its highest point. |
| Strategy | Players should watch their opponent's eyes and hands to anticipate the direction of the tip. |
| Notable players | Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming |
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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 to determine which team gains possession of the ball. While it is a well-known tradition in basketball, not all leagues use jump balls in the same way.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, a jump ball is used at the start of the game, at the start of any extra period, to settle penalties, and to settle held balls. A held ball occurs 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 made by referees.
In other leagues, including college basketball, the jump ball is only used at the beginning of the game. After that, an alternating possession arrow is used to determine possession. This system helps with pace and consistency, especially at youth and international levels.
It is worth noting that 3x3, a formalized version of half-court three-on-three basketball, does not use a jump ball at any time in a game. Instead, the first possession is based on the result of a pre-game coin toss.
While jump balls are a recognizable part of basketball, some critics argue that they interrupt the flow of the game and encourage defensive playing with the hands instead of the feet.
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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 is similar to a face-off in ice hockey and field lacrosse and a ball-up in Australian rules football.
To throw a jump ball, an official tosses 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 period, to settle special situations where penalties cancel each other out, and to settle held balls. Held balls occur when two opposing players both lay equal claim to the ball and end up in a stalemate.
There are various throwing styles for jump balls, including one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded. While the ball is typically delivered at a near-vertical angle, this is not a requirement. For example, Ken Mauer is known for taking multiple steps back and then tossing the ball at an angle, resembling a volleyball player setting up a teammate.
The players participating in the jump ball must wait until the ball reaches its highest point before tapping it. If the ball falls to the floor without being tapped, an official will whistle, and another toss will be made. 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 another player, the floor, the basket, or the backboard. Additionally, each player may only tap the ball a maximum of twice during the jump.
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Jump ball rules
Jump balls are 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.
Jump balls occur 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 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 wrest 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.
Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball. There is leniency in penalizing jump ball stealing, as referees are reluctant to stop play immediately after it starts. The throwing style of the official also varies, including one-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded styles.
- The ball must be tapped by one or both 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, leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball has been tapped, or catch the tossed or tapped ball until it touches one of the eight non-jumpers, the floor, the basket, or the backboard.
- Neither jumper is permitted to tap the ball more than twice on any jump.
- The eight non-jumpers will remain outside the restraining circle until the ball has been tapped.
- Teammates may not occupy adjacent positions around the restraining circle if an opponent desires one of the positions.
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Offensive and defensive tactics
Offensive Tactics:
- Height Advantage: If your team has a height advantage, particularly a 6" or greater difference, utilise this by tipping the ball forward to your tallest player. This simple strategy can increase your chances of gaining possession.
- Quick Reactions: Offensive players should focus on anticipating the direction of the tip. Most right-handed players will tip the ball to their left, and left-handed players to their right. Watch the jumper's eyes and hands for clues, as they may inadvertently telegraph their intentions.
- Spread Offense: Implement a spread offensive formation to create more passing and driving options. This can be achieved by having players spread out near the free-throw circle, allowing for better spacing and movement.
- Set Plays: Run specific jump ball plays such as "Double Tap", "Split", or "Forward Fly" to create advantageous situations. These plays should be practised and varied to keep defenders guessing.
Defensive Tactics:
- Early Rotation: If the opposing team has a height advantage, encourage your players to move and rotate early. This helps to counterbalance the height difference and gain a competitive edge.
- "Y" Alignment: When facing a superior jumper or a potential set play, use the "Y" alignment by placing two defenders back near the top of the free-throw circle. This eliminates the possibility of an easy shot and forces the opponent to set up their offence.
- Jump to the Ball: This tactic involves defenders quickly moving to the direction of the ball when it is passed from one perimeter area to another. It is particularly effective in man-to-man defence, helping to prevent dribble penetration and limit the offensive options.
- Maintain Defensive Balance: Ensure that your defence maintains balance and recovers after a jump ball. If a good shot is not available, transition directly into a set defence or motion offence.
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Jump ball history
The jump ball is one of basketball's oldest traditions, with James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, throwing the first-ever jump ball in 1891. The game's original rules featured a jump ball at the start of each quarter and after every basket scored. Over time, these rules evolved, with the NCAA changing them in 1937 to award possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949, and in 1975, they removed jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters.
The jump ball is a unique aspect of basketball, with players leaping to tap the ball to their teammates. It is used to start the game and any overtime periods and to settle special situations, such as held balls or conflicting referee calls. The NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball competitions feature jump balls, adding an exciting element to the sport.
The technique of "stealing the toss" has become a notable part of jump ball strategy, with players like Shaquille O'Neal mastering the art of tipping the ball early to gain an advantage. O'Neal won over 76% of his jump balls, showcasing his dominance in this aspect of the game.
While the jump ball has evolved, with the introduction of the alternating possession arrow rule in college basketball in 1981, it remains a vital part of the sport for many. The Euroleague Company reinstated the jump ball rule in 2013, highlighting its enduring appeal. The jump ball is a testament to basketball's rich history and the ongoing evolution of its rules and strategies.
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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 special situations, and to settle held balls. A jump ball may also be called if there are conflicting calls by referees.
The players must wait until the ball reaches its highest point before tapping it. Neither player may leave their half of the jumping circle until the ball is tapped. The ball is dead if it falls without being tapped, and another toss is required. Non-jumpers remain outside the restraining circle.
Timing is critical for jump ball success. Players should watch their opponent's eyes and hands to anticipate their move. On defensive tips, rotate early to gain an advantage. Tip the ball to the biggest player on your team.
Shaquille O'Neal is considered one of the most dominant jump ball takers in NBA history, winning over 75% of his tips. Yao Ming, despite his height advantage, had a lower success rate of 41.8%.
