Kristian Ferrell
Basketball is a team sport played between two teams of five players each, who try to score by shooting a ball through a hoop elevated 10 feet above the ground. The game starts with a jump ball, a feature that is slowly disappearing. A jump ball is when the referee throws the ball up between two players from opposing teams, who then try to tap the ball to one of their teammates. This is also called a tip-off.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the act | Jump ball |
| Other names | Face off, opening tip, tip-off |
| Description | The referee throws the ball up between two players from opposing teams. |
| Objective | To start play with both sides having an equal chance of gaining possession of the ball. |
| When it is used | At the start of the game, sometimes the only jump ball during the game. |
| When it is not used | In college basketball or international basketball, except to start the game. |
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What You'll Learn
- The jump ball: a referee throws the ball up between two players
- The tip-off: players try to tip the ball to their teammates
- Alternating possession: if there's a tie-up, possession alternates between teams
- Face-off: a term borrowed from hockey, where the puck is dropped instead of thrown
- Opening tip: the only jump ball in many games of basketball
The jump ball: a referee throws the ball up between two players
The jump ball is a method of starting a basketball game. It involves a referee throwing the ball into the air between two players from opposing teams. Once the ball reaches the highest point of its arc, it is free to be touched, and the players attempt to tap or tip the ball to one of their teammates. This is known as the tip-off. The jump ball is used to determine which team gains first possession of the ball.
In the past, jump balls were much more common and occurred after every stoppage in play. However, today they are rarely used except to start the game. In the NBA and WNBA, jump balls can also occur during the game if there is a "'tie-up", where two opposing players seem to simultaneously have possession of the ball.
The jump ball is similar to the face-off in hockey or lacrosse, where the puck or ball is dropped onto the ground between two players. In all three sports, the goal is to provide both teams with an equal chance of gaining possession of the ball at the start of the game.
The jump ball is an exciting and unique aspect of basketball that is slowly disappearing. It adds an element of unpredictability and competition to the start of the game, as both teams fight to gain possession of the ball.
Although it is now rarely used, the jump ball holds a special place in the history of basketball and is considered by some to be a more pleasing way to determine possession compared to alternating possession, which is commonly used in college and international basketball.
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The tip-off: players try to tip the ball to their teammates
The tip-off is an important aspect of basketball, marking the beginning of the game and shaping its initial momentum. It involves two players, known as "jumpers", who stand facing each other on either side of the referee, positioned within the centre "Jump Ball Circle". The referee then tosses the basketball vertically into the air, ensuring it reaches a sufficient height for both jumpers to have a fair chance to catch it.
The jumpers attempt to tip the ball towards their teammates, who are strategically positioned around the circle. This action requires jumpers to make minimal contact with the ball, using one or both hands, while avoiding interference with their opponent's attempt. The jumper who gains control of the ball is awarded possession for their team, setting the pace for the game's first offensive play.
To enhance their team's chances of securing possession, the jumpers can employ specific techniques. For instance, they might use their body positioning and jump angle to gain an advantage without committing a foul. Any contact between jumpers during the tip-off is considered a foul, so players must be cautious when competing for the ball.
Additionally, the positioning of the teammates surrounding the Jump Ball Circle is crucial. Coaches may opt for a defensive line-up, conceding the tip-off but preventing a lay-up, or they might leverage the advantage of having a tall centre or skilled jumper to aim for a quick lay-up and a psychological boost for their team.
The tip-off, also known as the jump ball, is a unique feature of basketball that ensures a fair start to the game, giving both teams an equal opportunity to gain possession of the ball. While its occurrence during the game has become less frequent, the tip-off remains an exciting and strategic element that sets the tone for the competitive action to follow.
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Alternating possession: if there's a tie-up, possession alternates between teams
The jump ball is a method of starting a basketball game that is becoming less common. In a jump ball, a referee throws the ball up into the air between two opposing players, who then try to tap the ball to their teammates. The team that successfully gains possession of the ball first gets the first offensive possession of the game.
In the NBA and WNBA, jump balls can also occur during a game if there is a "tie-up", when opposing players seem to simultaneously have possession of the ball. In this case, alternating possession rules apply, where possession of the ball alternates between teams. This is often indicated by a possession arrow on the scorekeeper's table, which points to the team that currently has possession. After each instance of alternating possession, the arrow is reversed to point to the other team, indicating which team will gain possession in the next situation.
The alternating possession rule was adopted in college basketball in 1981 and by FIBA in 2003, with the latter mandating that the arrow is used instead of another jump ball in overtime periods. The rule was implemented based on the belief that referees were not able to consistently ensure fair tosses during jump balls, with some games' outcomes effectively decided by an inadequate toss. Advocates of the rule change argue that it promotes fairness, while opponents argue that jump balls are a vital part of the sport.
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Face-off: a term borrowed from hockey, where the puck is dropped instead of thrown
The term "face-off" is borrowed from hockey, where it is a common method to begin play. In ice hockey, a face-off involves two opposing players attempting to gain control of the puck after it is dropped by an official. This is in contrast to basketball, where the referee throws the ball up into the air between two players, who then try to tap it to their teammates.
The face-off in hockey is also used to restart play after goals or during a tie-up, and it is considered a violation if a player moves their stick before the puck is dropped or if they do not place their stick properly when requested. Face-offs are also used in other sports, such as bandy, floorball, broomball, rinkball, and lacrosse, with some variations in the rules and techniques.
In basketball, the jump ball is used to start the game, although it is becoming less common. During a jump ball, the referee throws the ball up between two players, and once it reaches its highest point, either player can tip it to their teammates. The jump ball is considered archaic and is rarely used outside of starting the game, with some exceptions in the NBA and WNBA.
The term "face-off" is appropriate for both sports as it describes the act of two opposing players competing for possession of the ball or puck. However, the specific mechanics of how the ball or puck is put into play differ between the two sports. In hockey, the puck is dropped, while in basketball, the ball is thrown up into the air.
While the term "face-off" is borrowed from hockey, the concept of starting a game with two opposing players competing for possession is shared with basketball. This creates an even playing field at the start of the game, with both teams having a fair chance to gain control of the ball or puck.
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Opening tip: the only jump ball in many games of basketball
The jump ball is a feature of basketball that is slowly disappearing. It is used to start a basketball game, and in many games, it is the only jump ball of the game. It is called the "opening tip" and is used to determine which team gets the ball first.
During an opening tip, two players stand on either side of a referee who throws the ball up between them. Once the ball has reached the highest point of its arc, it is then free to be touched. Both players attempt to tip the ball to one of their teammates who are set up in a circle around the jump ball with alternating players on each team. Once the ball is tipped, the team that gains possession can begin their offensive possession of the game.
The jump ball is similar to a face-off in hockey or lacrosse, although in those sports, the puck or ball is dropped down onto the ground or begins on the ground. The goal of the opening tip in basketball is to start play with both sides having an equal chance of gaining possession of the ball.
While the jump ball is no longer used in college basketball or international basketball except to start the game, it is still used in the NBA and WNBA. In these leagues, jump balls can also happen during the game if there is a "tie-up" when two players from opposing teams seem to simultaneously have possession of the ball.
The opening tip is an important part of the game as it gives teams a chance to gain an early advantage and set the tone for the rest of the game. It is also a unique feature of basketball that adds excitement and unpredictability to the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
It is called a jump ball.
A referee throws the ball up between two players from opposing teams. Once the ball reaches its highest point, both players attempt to tap or tip the ball to one of their teammates.
No, in the NBA and WNBA, jump balls can also happen during the game if there is a "'tie-up', where players from opposing teams seem to simultaneously have possession of the ball. However, jump balls are becoming less common.
The term "tip-off" is used to describe the action of players trying to tip the ball to their teammates at the start of the game. The term "face-off", used in hockey, is also sometimes used to refer to the start of a basketball game.
Lacrosse is another sport that uses the term "face-off" to describe a similar concept to the jump ball in basketball. In lacrosse, face-offs occur at the start of the game, halftime, and after every goal.
