Tip Off In Basketball

July 10, 2023

Last Updated on: 3rd August 2023, 10:33 pm

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What Is A Tip Off In Basketball?

A “tip-off” is used to begin a game or overtime period in basketball. It is also known as a “jump ball.” During a tip-off, the referee throws the ball between two opposing players standing in the center circle of the court. The players then attempt to tip the ball to their teammates to gain possession and start the game.

The team that wins the tip off gains the game’s first possession. In the NBA, the team that loses the tip off gets the ball to start the second and third quarters, while the team that wins the tip off gets the ball to start the fourth quarter. In college basketball, the team that loses the tip-off gets the ball to start the second half.

It’s worth noting that the jump ball has become less common in recent years, as the NBA has implemented a “possession arrow” rule. Under this rule, the team that doesn’t get the ball to start the game gets the ball to start the second quarter, and then the possession alternates between the teams for the rest of the game.

Basketball Tip Off Rules

In basketball rules, the tip off, or the jump ball, is used to start the game or overtime period. Here are some of the basic rules for the tip off:

  1. The tip off takes place at the center circle of the court between two opposing players.
  2. The players involved in the tip off must jump straight up and try to tip the ball to their teammates.
  3. The ball must be tipped, not caught or held, by the players involved in the tip off.
  4. The other players on the court must remain outside the center circle until the ball is tipped.
  5. Once the ball is tipped, the game is officially underway and both teams can try to gain possession of the ball.
  6. If a player commits a violation during the tip off, such as moving before the ball is tipped or touching it before it reaches its highest point, the opposing team is awarded possession of the ball.
  7. In the NBA, the team that wins the tip off gets the ball to start the game and the third quarter, while the team that loses the tip off gets the ball to start the second and fourth quarters. In college basketball, the team that loses the tip off gets the ball to start the second half.

It’s important to note that the rules for the tip off may vary depending on the level of play and the specific league or organization.