Last Updated on: 3rd August 2023, 11:05 pm
In basketball, a “held ball” or “jump ball” occurs when two opposing players have their hands on the ball simultaneously, and neither player can gain control of it. When this happens, the referee stops playing and signals for a jump ball.
During a jump ball, the two players will stand facing each other in the center circle of the court, with the ball placed between them. The referee will then toss the ball straight into the air, and the two players will attempt to gain control by jumping and tapping it to a teammate.
Jump balls restart after certain stoppages, such as when possession of the ball is unclear or when a held ball occurs. In some cases, possession of the ball is determined by a possession arrow, which alternates between the two teams after each jump ball.
It’s worth noting that the rules surrounding held balls can vary slightly depending on the level of play and the specific league or organization. However, the basic concept remains the same: a held ball occurs when two players simultaneously possess the ball, and a jump ball is used to determine possession.
