Amanda Knapp
Basketball is a fast-paced game that requires a lot of strategic thinking. Possession is a fundamental part of the game, and understanding how it works is key to developing effective strategies. Possession changes occur when one team yields the ball to the other, and there are several rules that dictate how this happens. Possession is also a critical metric in basketball analytics, helping to calculate offensive and defensive efficiency numbers. In this topic, we will explore the different rules and methods used to determine possession in basketball, including jump balls, the possession arrow, and the various formulas used to estimate possessions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possession | When a player is holding, dribbling, or passing the ball |
| Possession changes | When the ball is yielded to the opponent |
| Possession arrow | Used in college basketball to determine possession without a jump ball |
| Jump ball | When the referee tosses the ball vertically between two opposing players who jump and tap it to a teammate |
| Jump ball occurrence | Start of the game, overtime, and occasionally mid-game |
| Possession calculation | Field goal attempts, missed shots without offensive rebounds, turnovers, and free throws |
| Offensive rebounds | Counted as team possessions, even if the ball is tipped out of bounds by a defensive player |
| Free throws | Only 44% of free throws are considered possessions, as technical foul shots and "AND 1″s" are not |
| Pace | Affected by overtime, transition opportunities, and possession length |
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What You'll Learn
Jump balls
The jump ball is a time-honoured basketball tradition, often used to mark the start of a game. It involves the referee tossing the ball vertically between two opposing players, who jump and try to tap it to a teammate. It's used to determine possession fairly when both teams have an equal claim to the ball. While the concept is simple, the use of jump balls varies depending on the league and level of play.
In the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball competitions, a jump ball occurs at the start of the game (opening tip-off) and the start of any extra period. It's also used to settle specific situations, such as penalties cancelling out, held balls, or different referee calls. However, after the opening tip, most competitions, excluding the NBA, WNBA, and Euroleague Basketball, employ the alternating possession rule, using a possession arrow.
In college basketball, the jump ball is typically only used at the beginning of the game, with the alternating possession arrow used for held balls and overtime situations. The arrow indicates which team will gain possession, reducing the number of jump balls and improving the pace and consistency of the game. This system is also used in youth basketball to simplify the game and focus on developing skills.
The NCAA first changed the jump ball rules in 1937, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949 and made further changes in 1975, removing jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters, instead granting possession based on the opening tip results. FIBA adopted the alternating possession rule in 2003, with overtime periods starting with the arrow instead of a jump ball.
While the specifics of jump balls and possession rules vary across different leagues and levels of basketball, the underlying goal is always to ensure a fair, fast-paced, and exciting game for all involved.
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Alternating possession arrow
The alternating possession arrow is a rule used in basketball to determine which team gets possession of the ball in specific situations, such as a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul. This rule is particularly associated with college basketball and was introduced in 1981. It is defined by the NCAA as:
> "A method of putting the ball in play with a throw-in rather than a jump ball."
The possession arrow is used in situations where no team is in control, or when a live ball becomes stuck between the backboard and the rim. The arrow indicates which team should be awarded possession, and it then swaps to point to the other team.
At the start of a basketball game, there is a jump ball at centre court. The possession arrow is not used until one team gains possession after the tip-off. Then, it is turned on and points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip. This team will be awarded possession the next time an alternating-possession situation occurs.
The arrow will be reversed if a player touches and causes the ball to go out of bounds, or if the team in possession commits a throw-in violation. However, any foul committed by either team during a throw-in will not result in the arrow being reversed.
The possession arrow is also used in overtime situations, and the procedure mirrors that of the start of the game, with the arrow pointing to the team that lost the initial jump ball.
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Possession calculations
Possession is a fundamental metric for understanding basketball analytics. While the rules vary across different leagues and levels of play, there are several key concepts and calculations that can help keep track of possession.
Possession Definitions
According to the NBA, a team is in possession when a player is holding, dribbling, or passing the ball. Possession ends when the defensive team gains control of the ball. However, it is important to note that a field goal attempt does not necessarily indicate the end of a possession, as offensive rebounds can extend a possession.
A basic way to calculate possession is to count specific actions that result in the end of a possession. These actions typically include turnovers, field goals, and free throws. The total number of turnovers is divided by the total possessions to calculate the turnover percentage, indicating the percentage of possessions that end in a turnover.
To account for offensive rebounds and free throws, adjustments can be made to the basic possession calculation. Offensive rebounds can be treated as possessions, and the total number of free-throw attempts is multiplied by 0.44 to estimate possessions ended by free-throw attempts, excluding technical fouls and "and-ones". This multiplier accounts for the fact that not all free throws result in a change of possession.
A more complex formula for possession estimation considers both a team's and their opponent's statistics, averaging them to provide a stable estimate:
5 * ((Field Goal Attempts + 0.4 * Free Throw Attempts – 1.07 * (Offensive Rebounds / (Offensive Rebounds + Opponent Defensive Rebounds)) * (Field Goal Attempts – FG) + Turnovers) + (Opponent Field Goal Attempts + 0.4 * Opponent Free Throw Attempts – 1.07 * (Opponent Offensive Rebounds / (Opponent Offensive Rebounds + Defensive Rebounds)) * (Opponent Field Goal Attempts – Opponent FG) + Opponent Turnovers))
Possession Arrow and Jump Ball
In college basketball, the possession arrow, or alternating-possession procedure, is used to determine possession in specific situations, such as held balls, free-throw violations, or technical fouls. The arrow points to the team that lost the opening tip-off, indicating they will gain possession during the next alternating-possession situation. The arrow is reset during overtime, which typically begins with a jump ball.
A jump ball occurs when the referee tosses the ball vertically between two opposing players, who jump and attempt to tap it to a teammate. It is commonly used at the start of a game to determine initial possession and can also be used during the game or at the end to decide crucial moments.
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Pace, offensive efficiency, and defensive efficiency metrics
Offensive efficiency is a key metric for evaluating team performance and is typically listed in points per 100 possessions. To calculate a team's offensive efficiency, you divide the number of points scored by the number of possessions and then multiply by 100. A very good offensive team might have an offensive efficiency of around 120 points per 100 possessions.
Defensive efficiency is also important and can be calculated by dividing the number of points given up by the opposing team's number of possessions. By comparing a team's offensive and defensive efficiency, you can gain insights into their overall effectiveness.
In addition to pace and efficiency metrics, other factors that contribute to team performance include net rating (the difference between offensive and defensive ratings), clutch performance (how well a team performs in close games), and individual player efficiency.
When considering these metrics, it's important to account for variations in rules and strategies between different levels of basketball, such as the NBA, college basketball, and international play. For example, college basketball uses the possession arrow and jump ball rules to determine possession, which can impact the pace and flow of the game.
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Turnovers
Understanding and minimizing turnovers are essential for success on the court. Teams should aim to keep turnovers below 15 per game, as it significantly impacts their chances of winning. While there is no magic number, a lower number of turnovers indicates better performance and decision-making. A ratio of 3:1 is considered the gold standard, indicating a careful and consistent player with good court vision.
To reduce turnovers, players can focus on mastering fundamental moves such as jump stops, facing the basket upon receiving the ball, and perfecting pivots and step-throughs. Additionally, tracking turnover stats and analyzing the root causes of turnovers, such as bad passing or poor decision-making, can help players and teams identify areas for improvement and adjust their strategies accordingly.
In college basketball, the possession arrow, or alternating-possession procedure, comes into play during specific situations, such as a held ball or a free-throw violation. This rule ensures fairness and reduces the number of jump balls during the game.
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Frequently asked questions
A possession in basketball is defined as a play that ends in either a turnover, a field goal, or a free throw. Possessions are extended by offensive rebounds.
There are a few methods to keep track of possession in basketball. One common way is through the use of a jump ball, where the referee tosses the ball vertically between two opposing players who jump and attempt to tap it to a teammate. Another method is the alternating possession arrow, commonly used in college basketball, which indicates the team that will gain possession in alternating-possession situations.
The alternating possession arrow, officially known as the alternating-possession procedure, is a rule used in college basketball to determine possession without a jump ball. It comes into play during alternating-possession situations, such as a held ball, a free-throw violation, or a technical foul. The arrow points in the direction of the team that lost the opening tip-off, and that team will be given possession during the next alternating-possession situation.
Possession is a fundamental metric in understanding basketball analytics. Many key metrics, such as pace, offensive efficiency, and defensive efficiency, are based on possession calculations. By adjusting these metrics to "per 100 possessions," analysts can gain a more meaningful understanding of a team's performance.
Yes, controlling the pace of a game is an important strategic aspect of basketball. A faster pace can be achieved through a higher share of transition opportunities or shorter possession lengths. Additionally, the number of possessions can impact the interpretation of certain metrics, such as turnover percentage, as more possessions can lead to more turnovers.
