Helena Frye
The possession arrow in basketball is used to determine which team gets the ball after a jump ball situation, without actually having to jump for it. It is used in college basketball and other leagues, but not in the NBA, WNBA, or Euroleague. The arrow points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip-off and then swaps to the other team when an alternating-possession situation occurs. This rule was introduced because referees were not able to ensure fair tosses during jump balls, and the outcome of a game should not be affected by an inadequate toss.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When is the possession arrow used? | When there is a question of possession, instead of a jump ball. |
| Who uses it? | College basketball games, youth sports, and FIBA. |
| Why is it used? | To speed up the game, prevent injuries, and avoid size mismatches during jump balls. |
| How does it work? | The arrow points towards the team that lost the opening tip-off, giving them possession when the next alternating-possession situation occurs. |
| When does the arrow flip? | When the ball is successfully inbounded, or if it goes out of bounds. |
| Are there any situations where the arrow doesn't flip? | If a foul is committed during a throw-in attempt, the arrow does not flip. |
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What You'll Learn
The possession arrow is used in college basketball
The possession arrow is a feature of college basketball that is used to determine which team gets possession of the ball after a jump ball is called mid-game. 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."
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 initial 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 arrow is then reversed to point to the other team once the ball is successfully inbounded.
The possession arrow can also be reversed if any player touches and causes the ball to go out of bounds, or if the team with possession commits a throw-in violation. In the case of overtime, the possession arrow is reset, and the same format as the start of the game is followed.
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It speeds up the game and prevents injury
The possession arrow in basketball is used to speed up the game and prevent injuries. It was first introduced in college basketball to prevent players from getting hurt during a jump ball, as well as to avoid size mismatches between players.
A jump ball occurs when two opposing players from different teams attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. The use of the possession arrow removes the need for this.
The possession arrow rule was adopted in 1981 by league executives, who believed that referees were not consistently able to ensure fair tosses. This decision was controversial, with opponents arguing that jump balls are a vital part of the sport. However, the possession arrow speeds up the game by reducing the time spent on jump balls, especially when players are scrapping for the basketball as the clock winds down.
The possession arrow also prevents injuries that may occur during jump balls, where players are more likely to collide or fall while jumping for the ball. In addition, it removes the potential for unfair advantages or disadvantages during a jump ball due to size mismatches between players.
The alternating possession arrow ensures that each team has an equal opportunity to gain possession of the ball without the need for a jump ball. This promotes fairness and maintains the flow of the game.
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It's used when there's a question of possession
The possession arrow is used in basketball to determine which team gets possession of the ball when there is a question of possession, such as when a referee calls a jump ball mid-game.
In basketball, a jump ball occurs when two players from opposing teams simultaneously hold the ball, and the referee calls for a jump ball with two thumbs up. This typically happens at the beginning of a game, and sometimes after halftime. During a jump ball, the two players will jump and try to gain control of the ball for their team.
However, when a referee calls for a jump ball mid-game, the possession arrow is used to determine which team gets possession of the ball without having to physically jump for it. The arrow points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip-off, indicating that they will receive the ball when the next alternating-possession situation occurs.
For example, let's say Team 1 lost the opening tip-off. The possession arrow would point towards them. When the next alternating-possession situation arises, Team 1 would be awarded the ball. After Team 1 successfully inbounds the ball, the arrow is reversed to point towards the other team, Team 2.
Additionally, the possession arrow is reset during overtime, as overtime also begins with a jump ball. If there are multiple overtime periods, the arrow will be reset after each initial jump ball.
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The arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip
The possession arrow is a feature of college basketball games, used to speed up the game and prevent injuries that could occur during a jump ball. It is also used in youth sports for similar reasons.
Every basketball game starts with a jump ball at centre court. Two opposing players jump for the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. In college basketball, 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 towards the team that lost the opening tip.
The team that the arrow points to will be given the ball when the next alternating-possession situation occurs. This team then successfully inbounds the ball, and the arrow is reversed to point to the other team. The arrow will also be reversed if any player touches and causes the ball to go out of bounds, or if the thrown-in team commits a throw-in violation.
The possession arrow is a way to ensure that each team alternates possession for every jump ball called. It is also often used on held balls where possession cannot be determined.
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The arrow alternates after each possession
The possession arrow in basketball is used to determine which team gets the ball when there is a jump ball situation. A jump ball occurs when two opposing players from different teams simultaneously hold the ball, or when the referee calls for one at the start of the game or during halftime. In the NBA, a jump ball is used every time there is a question of possession, but college basketball uses the possession arrow instead.
The possession arrow is used to speed up the game and prevent players from getting hurt or mismatched during a jump ball. It is placed on the scorekeeper's table and alternates after each possession, pointing towards the team that will gain possession of the ball the next time possession is in question.
At the start of the game, the arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip-off. For example, if Team 1 wins the opening tip-off, the possession arrow will point towards Team 2. Then, when the next alternating-possession situation occurs, Team 2 will be awarded the ball. After Team 2 successfully inbounds the ball, the arrow will reverse and point back to Team 1.
The arrow will also reverse if any player touches and causes the ball to go out of bounds, or if the team in possession commits a throw-in violation. However, fouls during a thrown-in attempt will not result in a reversal of the possession arrow.
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Frequently asked questions
The possession arrow is used in basketball to determine which team gets the ball after a jump ball situation, without actually having to jump for it.
The possession arrow remains off until one team gains possession of the ball after the opening tip. Once that happens, it's turned on and points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip. The arrow then swaps to point to the other team.
The decision to use the possession arrow has been controversial. Advocates argue that it is more fair, while opponents argue that jump balls are a vital part of the sport. However, the possession arrow saves time and makes it easier to award possession during the numerous jump balls that occur during a game.
