Jump Ball In Basketball

Last Updated on: 4th August 2023, 11:50 pm

What Is A Jump Ball In Basketball?

In basketball, a jump ball starts, or resumes when two opposing players gain possession. This can happen in various situations, such as when two players tie up the ball or when each team member touches the ball simultaneously.

When a jump ball is called, the referee will toss the ball up into the air between the two players involved in the tie-up. The players will then try to gain control of the ball by tipping it to a teammate or catching it themselves. Once a player gains control of the ball, normal play resumes.

Jump balls are also used to determine possession at the start of a game or after a held ball situation. In these cases, the referee will toss the ball up between two players from opposite teams, and the team that gains control of the ball is awarded the first possession of the game or the next possession after the held ball.

It’s worth noting that in some basketball leagues, such as the NBA, the jump ball has been modified to reduce the risk of injury. In these leagues, the jump ball is only used to start the game and overtime periods, while possession is determined by alternate possession in all other situations.

Basketball Jump Ball Positions – When Is A Jump Ball Called In Basketball?

In basketball, the players’ positions in a jump ball depend on the situation in which the jump ball is called. Here are the different scenarios and the corresponding positions:

1. Start of the game: At the beginning, the referee will toss the ball up between one player from each team positioned at the center circle of the court. The other players from each team are positioned around the circle.
2. Held ball: When a held ball situation occurs, the players involved in the tie-up will be the ones to jump for the ball. The other players from each team will be positioned around the circle.
3. Alternating possession: In some basketball leagues, such as the NCAA, possession is determined by alternating possession after the opening jump ball. In this case, the team that did not start with the ball at the beginning of the game will get the ball to start the second half. The players involved in the jump ball will be the same as in the opening jump ball.
4. Overtime: If the game goes into overtime, the referee will toss the ball between one player from each team positioned at the center circle of the court. The other players from each team are positioned around the circle.

It’s important to note that in all of these scenarios, the players involved in the jump ball must be standing still and facing the opponent’s basket. They are not allowed to move until the ball is tossed up by the referee.

Basketball Jump Ball Rules

In basketball, there are specific rules that govern jump balls. Here are some of the key rules and regulations related to jump balls:

1. Positioning: As I mentioned in my previous response, the players involved in the jump ball must be standing still and facing the opponent’s basket. They are not allowed to move until the ball is tossed up by the referee.
2. Timing: The referee must toss the ball up between the two players at the apex of their jump. If the ball is not tossed up properly, the jump ball will be redone.
3. Contact: Players are not allowed to grab, hold, or push their opponent during a jump ball. If a player commits a foul during a jump ball, the opposing team will be awarded possession of the ball.
4. Violations: If a player jumps too early or enters the jump circle before the ball is tossed up, it is considered a violation and the opposing team will be awarded possession of the ball.
5. Possession: The team that gains control of the ball after a jump ball is awarded possession. If the ball is not cleanly controlled by either team, the jump ball will be redone.
6. Alternating possession: In some basketball leagues, such as the NCAA, possession is determined by alternating possession after the opening jump ball. This means that if a jump ball is called and neither team gains control of the ball, the team that did not start with the ball at the beginning of the game will get possession.

It’s important to note that in some basketball leagues, such as the NBA, the jump ball has been modified to reduce the risk of injury. In these leagues, the jump ball is only used to start the game and overtime periods, while possession is determined by alternate possession in all other situations.

How To Do A Jump Ball In Basketball

If you’re a basketball player and you find yourself involved in a jump ball situation, here are the steps to follow to execute a jump ball:

1. Position yourself: If you’re involved in a jump ball situation, you’ll need to position yourself in the center circle of the court, facing your opponent’s basket. Make sure you’re standing still and not moving until the ball is tossed up by the referee.
2. Jump: When the referee tosses the ball up, jump as high as you can to try to gain control of the ball. You can use your hands to tip the ball to a teammate or catch it yourself.
3. Gain control: If you can gain control of the ball, try to secure it and make a play. If the ball is not cleanly controlled by either team, the jump ball will be redone.
4. Follow the rules: Remember to follow the rules related to jump balls, such as not grabbing, holding, or pushing your opponent during the jump ball. The opposing team will be awarded possession if you commit a foul during a jump ball.

It’s important to note that in some basketball leagues, such as the NBA, the jump ball has been modified to reduce the risk of injury. In these leagues, the jump ball is only used to start the game and over time periods, while possession is determined by alternate possession in all other situations.