The jump ball is one of basketball’s most recognizable traditions. It marks the start of the game—and sometimes determines who gains possession during key moments. But not all leagues handle jump balls the same way.

From the NBA to college basketball and international play, here’s everything you need to know about how jump balls work, when they happen, and how the rules vary across different levels of the game.

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What Is a Jump Ball in Basketball?

A jump ball occurs when the referee tosses the ball vertically between two opposing players, who jump and attempt to tap it to a teammate. It’s a method of fairly determining possession in situations where two teams simultaneously have a claim to the ball—most commonly at the start of the game.

While it’s a simple concept, how and when jump balls are used depends on the league and level of play.

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When Does a Jump Ball Happen?

Jump balls occur at specific moments in the game:

• Start of the game: All leagues begin regulation with a jump ball at center court.
• Overtime periods: In some leagues (like FIBA), overtime also begins with a jump ball.
• Held ball situations: Depending on the rules, a jump ball may be used when two players from opposing teams simultaneously gain possession (though many leagues use a possession arrow instead).

The goal is to create an impartial way to award possession without guessing who had control.

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NBA Jump Ball Rules

The NBA uses jump balls more frequently than most other leagues.

• Game start: The game begins with a jump ball at center court.
• Held ball: A jump ball is used for every held-ball situation, regardless of the game clock or quarter.
• Overtime: Each overtime period also starts with a jump ball.
• Violation: Players cannot tap the ball more than twice, catch it before it touches a teammate, or leave their circle early. Any of these result in a violation and possession awarded to the other team.

Because the NBA relies heavily on jump balls, it puts added importance on having athletic big men or strong leapers in late-game moments.

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NCAA Jump Ball Rules (Men’s and Women’s)

College basketball uses the jump ball only at the beginning of the game. After that, it switches to the alternating possession arrow:

• Game start: One jump ball at tip-off.
• Held ball: After that, all held-ball situations use the alternating possession rule.
• Overtime: Possession at the start of overtime is also determined by the arrow, not a jump ball.

The arrow switches direction each time a held-ball situation occurs, making it easy to track who gets the next possession.

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FIBA Jump Ball Rules (International)

FIBA follows a system similar to NCAA, with a mix of jump balls and alternating possession:

• Game start: Begins with a jump ball.
• Overtime: Starts with a jump ball.
• Held balls during play: Use the alternating possession arrow after the opening tip.

This system reduces the number of jump balls during the game, which helps with pace and consistency, especially at youth and international levels.

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WNBA Jump Ball Rules

The WNBA mirrors NBA rules in many ways but uses a hybrid system for jump balls:

• Game start: Tip-off begins with a jump ball.
• Held balls: Use the alternating possession rule, not a jump ball.
• Overtime: Also begins with alternating possession.

This rule set creates a balance between fairness and game flow, limiting physical tie-ups while preserving the tradition of a tip-off.

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High School Basketball Jump Ball Rules (U.S.)

Most high school games follow NFHS (National Federation of State High School Associations) rules:

• Game start: One jump ball to begin the game.
• All other situations: Use alternating possession for held balls, double fouls, and other scenarios where possession needs to be determined.
• Overtime: Possession is awarded based on the alternating arrow, not a jump ball.

This system prioritizes simplicity and avoids frequent jump ball stoppages, especially at lower levels of play.

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Key Jump Ball Violations to Know

Regardless of the league, there are common violations that can occur during a jump ball:

• Leaving the circle early: Players must stay within their circle until the ball is touched.
• Touching the ball too soon: Jumpers must wait until the ball reaches its highest point.
• Tapping the ball more than twice: In the NBA, this is not allowed.
• Catching the tip: Jumpers cannot catch the ball; it must be tipped to a teammate.

Violations result in loss of possession and are often called in close, competitive matchups.

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Final Thoughts

The jump ball may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how basketball games begin and sometimes end. Whether it's a dramatic overtime tip in international play or a possession arrow decision in college basketball, understanding how jump ball rules work can help fans follow the flow and strategy of the game.

From the NBA’s frequent use of jump balls to the alternating possession systems used in most amateur leagues, each level of basketball handles it a bit differently—but all with the goal of keeping the game fair, fast, and exciting.