What is the possession arrow in basketball?
I · Intermediate · Scoring, time and winning · 2 of 13Checked 13 October 2026
A jump ball at the centre circle starts the game. After that, FIBA basketball has no more jump balls: whenever one would be needed, such as a held ball, the teams take turns to get a throw-in. An arrow at the scorer's table shows whose turn is next.
How it works
- Opening jump ball: the referee tosses the ball up between two opponents, who may tap it only after it starts to come down. Neither may catch it.
- The team that does not win first control gets the first alternating possession.
- A "jump ball situation" then gives a throw-in to the team the arrow favours, and the arrow flips. It arises when:
- a held ball is called (opponents with hands firmly on the ball);
- the referees cannot tell who touched the ball last before it went out;
- the ball lodges between the ring and the backboard;
- both teams violate on a missed last free throw;
- each of the second, third and fourth quarters and each overtime starts.
- A team that commits a violation on its arrow throw-in loses that turn.
Tricky cases
Two players both have hold of the ball. Who gets it?
The team the arrow points to, with a throw-in nearest to where it happened.
Who starts the second quarter?
The team the possession arrow favours, with a throw-in at the centre line.
Why the rule exists
Repeated jump balls favour the taller team. Taking turns is quicker and fair to both.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| FIBA rules | As above | A12 |
| NBA | Uses jump balls for held balls | Not covered |
From the rule book
FIBA Official Basketball Rules 2026, Article 12, valid from 1 October 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: FIBA Official Basketball Rules (PDF).