Jump Ball and Possession Arrow

Also known as: Tip-off, Held ball, Alternating possession

How the game starts and who gets a tied-up ball.

The rule

Most games start with a jump ball: the referee tosses the ball up between two players in the centre circle and each tries to tap it to a teammate. During the game, when two opponents both hold the ball firmly (a held ball), it has to be settled somehow.

Around the leagues

• Jump ball: NBA, WNBA. A held ball is settled by a new jump between the two players.
• Possession arrow: FIBA, NCAA M, NCAA W, Wheelchair. After the opening tip, held balls alternate between the teams. An arrow at the table shows whose turn it is.
• Coin flip: 3x3. A coin flip decides the first possession. Held balls go to the defending team.