Andrew Pace
Basketball is a dynamic sport that involves two teams of five players each, trying to score points by tossing a ball through the opponent's elevated horizontal hoop, known as a basket. The game was invented by James Naismith in 1891, and his original rules included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. Over time, the rules governing jump balls have evolved, with the NCAA changing the rule in 1937 to award possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949, and further modifications were made in subsequent years. Today, the use of jump balls in basketball varies across different leagues, with some adopting the NBA's rules, while others have implemented alternating possession or other variations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Jump ball used after a goal in basketball | No, the NBA and NCAA dropped this rule in the mid-20th century |
| Current use of jump balls | Used to begin or resume play when there is simultaneous possession of the basketball by both teams |
| Jump ball rules | The ball is tossed by the referee and players from each team jump to gain control of the ball |
| Jump ball throwing styles | One-handed, two-handed, underhanded, and overhanded |
| Trajectory of the ball | Typically delivered at a near vertical angle, but this is not required |
| Jump ball rules changes | Minor changes to the rulebook are made each year |
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What You'll Learn
Jump ball was originally used after a goal in basketball
James Naismith invented basketball on or about December 1, 1891, at the International Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) Training School, Springfield, Massachusetts. His original rules for the game included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. The 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.
The NCAA first changed the rules in 1937, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949 and made a further change in 1975, removing jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters. The NBA granted possession in the second and third quarters to the team losing the opening tip and possession in the fourth to the team that won the first tip. The NCAA implemented alternating possession rules in 1981 that award possession sequentially for all jump ball situations after the opening tip at the beginning of the game. The WNBA and Euroleague Basketball have adopted the NBA's jump ball rules, while other leagues have implemented alternating possession.
The leniency in penalizing jump ball stealing is partly due to its position in the game. Referees are reluctant to stop play immediately after it starts, and quarter-opening jump balls lend minimal advantage as the losing team will be granted possession in the following quarter. An NBA study on jump balls found that in the 2022-2023 season, only 0.3% of jump balls had violations called.
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The NCAA changed the rule in 1937
James Naismith's original rules for basketball included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. However, the NCAA changed this rule in 1937, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. This change was significant as it removed the need for a jump ball after every shot, which could be disadvantageous for the team that didn't win the tip-off. The new rule allowed for a more continuous flow of play and reduced the impact of the jump ball on the outcome of the game.
The decision to change the rule was likely influenced by the understanding that the value of a tall player becomes immense with the jump ball rule in place. With a tall player, a team could score a basket and then have a higher chance of winning the subsequent jump ball, denying the other team an opportunity to make a comeback. This dynamic would make the game less competitive and exciting.
Additionally, the rule change addressed the issue of inconsistent refereeing during jump balls. It was argued that referees were not able to consistently ensure fair tosses, and as a result, some games' outcomes were effectively sealed by an inadequate toss. By removing the jump ball after every basket, the NCAA aimed to reduce the impact of referee decisions on the outcome of the game and promote fairer competition.
The NCAA's rule change in 1937 was later mirrored by the NBA in 1949, which made similar changes to their jump ball rules. This change also aligned with the adoption of alternating possession rules, which were implemented by the NCAA in 1981. The alternating possession rule awarded possession sequentially for all jump ball situations after the opening tip at the beginning of the game. This rule further reduced the frequency of jump balls and promoted a more consistent flow of play.
The 1937 rule change by the NCAA was a significant moment in the evolution of basketball rules, addressing issues of fairness, competition, and game flow. It demonstrated the organization's commitment to adapting and improving the sport to ensure a fair and exciting experience for players and spectators alike.
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The NBA followed suit in 1949
James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, and his original rules included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. Jump balls are 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 1937, the NCAA first changed the rules, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949, mirroring the NCAA's jump ball rules. The NBA also made an additional change in 1975, removing jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters. They instead automatically granted possession in the second and third quarters to the team that lost the opening tip, and possession in the fourth quarter to the team that won the first tip.
The WNBA and Euroleague Basketball have adopted the NBA's jump ball rules, while other leagues have implemented alternating possession. Euroleague Basketball, however, reinstated the jump ball rule in 2013.
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The NBA stopped using jump balls for 2nd-4th quarter possession in 1975
James Naismith invented basketball in 1891, and his original rules included a jump ball to begin every quarter and after every basket scored. Jump balls are 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 1937, the NCAA changed the rules, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949, and in 1975, they stopped using jump balls to begin the second, third, and fourth quarters. Instead, they automatically granted possession in the second and third quarters to the team losing the opening tip, and possession in the fourth to the team that won the first tip. This change was based on the belief that referees were not able to consistently ensure fair tosses, and there were concerns about the impact of an inadequate toss on the game's outcome.
The decision to stop using jump balls for 2nd-4th quarter possession in the NBA in 1975 was part of a broader evolution of basketball rules. Over time, various organizations have made changes to the rules governing jump balls and possession, with some leagues adopting alternating possession rules or modifying the frequency of jump balls. The WNBA and Euroleague Basketball have generally followed the NBA's lead in jump ball rules, while other leagues have implemented different approaches.
Some basketball enthusiasts have debated the merits of jump balls versus possession arrows, with varying preferences. While some argue that jump balls provide an opportunity for a big athletic center to shine, others point out that the randomness of a jump ball can be exciting. On the other hand, possession arrows provide a more predictable outcome, which some players and coaches may prefer for strategic reasons.
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Jump balls are a relatively unregulated part of basketball
Jump balls, which are used to begin or resume play in basketball, are a relatively unregulated part of the sport. They are similar to a face-off in ice hockey or field lacrosse and a ball-up in Australian rules football. While basketball has a set of standard rules, there are minor changes to the rulebook each year.
In a jump ball, two opposing players from each team attempt to gain control of the ball after an official tosses it into the air between them. The jumpers must have both feet within the half of the centre restraining circle that is farther from their basket. The tossed ball must be touched by one or both of the jumpers after it reaches its highest point. If the ball touches the floor without being touched by at least one of the jumpers, the official shall toss it again.
Jump balls were originally used to restart play at the beginning of every quarter and after each basket scored. However, the NBA and NCAA stopped using jump balls after baskets in the mid-20th century. The NBA stopped using jump balls for 2nd-4th quarter possession in 1975, while the NCAA implemented alternating possession rules in 1981. This change was made because league executives believed that referees could not consistently ensure fair tosses.
The leniency in penalising jump ball stealing is partly due to its position in the game. Referees are reluctant to stop play immediately after it starts, and quarter-opening jump balls lend minimal advantage as the losing team will be granted possession in the following quarter. An NBA study on jump balls found that in the 2022-2023 season, only 0.3% of jump balls had violations called.
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Frequently asked questions
No, the NCAA changed the rule in 1937, awarding possession after baskets to the scored-upon team. The NBA followed suit in 1949.
The jump ball was originally used to restart play after every goal in basketball.
The rule was changed because league executives believed that referees were not able to consistently ensure fair tosses.
A jump ball is used to begin a basketball game and when both teams have simultaneous possession of the basketball.
