What is a jump ball in basketball?

A jump ball in basketball is used to begin the game, or to restart play after a stoppage of the game due to a held ball situation or a violation. During a jump ball, two players from opposing teams stand facing each other in the center circle of the court, with the referee holding the basketball.

When the referee releases the ball, the two players jump up and try to tip the ball to their teammates. Only the two players involved in the jump ball are allowed to touch the ball until it is tapped by one of the players. If any other player touches the ball before it is tapped, a violation is called and the ball is turned over to the opposing team.

The player who gains possession of the ball after the jump ball is considered to have won the jump ball. In the NBA, the team that loses the jump ball at the beginning of the game gets possession of the ball at the start of the second and third quarters, while the team that wins the jump ball gets possession at the start of the fourth quarter.