What is a Jump Ball in basketball?
A jump ball is a method of putting the ball into play in basketball. It is used to start the game, to resume play after a tie score, and to resolve situations where neither team has clear possession of the ball.
Overview
A jump ball is a method of putting the ball into play in basketball. The referee tosses the ball up between two players from opposing teams, who attempt to tap the ball to a teammate. The player who tips the ball to a teammate first gains possession.
The centers of each team typically contest jump balls. However, jump balls are not allowed in the final two minutes of regulation play or overtime unless the ball goes out of bounds or there is a held ball.
Jump Ball in Basketball Game
A jump ball is used to start the game and to resume play after a tie score. It also resolves situations where neither team has clear possession of the ball. For example, a jump ball may be called if two players are wrestling over the ball and neither player can gain control.
Meaning of a jump ball in basketball?
In basketball, a jump ball refers to starting or restarting play after certain situations, typically a held ball or a double foul. It involves tossing the ball into the air between two opposing players (one from each team) who must attempt to gain control of the ball by tipping or directing it to a teammate. The team that acquires possession of the jump ball is awarded the opportunity to initiate an offensive possession. The jump ball is also used to restart play at the beginning of each game or overtime period.
History of Jump Ball
The jump ball was first introduced in basketball in 1891 by James Naismith, the game’s inventor. At the time, the jump ball was used to start the game and to resume play after a tie score. It was not used to resolve situations where neither team had clear possession of the ball.
Two players from each team initially contested the jump ball, but this was changed in 1937 to one player from each team. This change was made to speed up the game.
Rules and Violations
The rules of a jump ball are as follows:
- The referee tosses the ball up between two players from opposing teams, who attempt to tap the ball to a teammate.
- The player who tips the ball to a teammate first gains possession.
- The players must jump straight up and cannot touch the ground before the ball is released.
- The jump ball is forfeited if a player touches the ground before the ball is released.
- The jump ball is forfeited if a player tips it to their teammate.
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Jump Ball in the NBA
The jump ball is used in the NBA to start the game and resume play after a tie score. It also resolves situations where neither team has clear possession of the ball. However, there are some differences in how the jump ball is used in the NBA compared to other levels of basketball.
In the NBA, the center of each team contests the jump ball. This is because the centers are typically the tallest and strongest players on the court and can better control the ball after the jump.
The NBA also has a rule that allows teams to take a timeout instead of a jump ball. This rule prevents the game from being bogged down by jump balls.
Referee Signal for a Jump Ball
The referee signals for a jump ball by raising both arms above their head and bringing them down together.
When Do Jump Balls Happen?
Jump balls happen in basketball in the following situations:
- To start the game
- To resume play after a tie score
- To resolve a situation where neither team has clear possession of the ball
- When the ball goes out of bounds, and neither team touches it last
- When there is a held ball
Occurrences of Jump Balls
The number of jump balls that occur in a basketball game varies depending on the level of competition. In the NBA, there are typically around 10 jump balls per game. In high school and college basketball, there are typically around 5 jump balls per game.
Timeouts in Place of Jump Balls
In the NBA, teams can take a timeout instead of a jump ball. This rule prevents the game from being bogged down by jump balls.
FAQ About Jump Ball
What causes a jump ball in basketball?
A jump ball is caused by a situation where neither team has clear possession of the ball. This can happen when two players are wrestling over the ball when the ball goes out of bounds, and neither team touched it last, or when there is a held ball.
When did they stop doing jump balls?
Jump balls are still used in basketball today. They were never stopped being used.
Can you tip in a jump ball?
Yes, you can tip in a jump ball. However, the player who tips the ball must do so before the ball touches the ground.
