The possession arrow in basketball is used to determine which team gets the ball after certain situations, particularly during jump ball scenarios or alternating possessions. Here’s how it works:
1. Jump Ball: At the start of the game and overtime periods, the referee conducts a jump ball, where one player from each team jumps to try to gain possession of the ball. After this initial jump ball, the possession arrow is used to determine which team will get the ball in the next jump ball situation.
2. Alternating Possession: After the first jump ball, the possession arrow alternates between teams. This means that the team that did not win the initial jump ball will receive the ball in the next possession change that involves a jump ball, and it continues alternating throughout the game.
3. When the Possession Arrow Is Used: The possession arrow typically comes into play in situations where the referees need to resolve a tie-up, i.e., when two players from opposing teams grab the ball simultaneously, and neither player can gain control. Instead of using another jump ball, the team indicated by the possession arrow gets the ball.
4. Resetting the Arrow: Each time the possession changes due to the arrow (such as after a tie-up), the arrow is flipped to favor the opposite team for the next alternating possession.
5. Exceptions: There are a few exceptions, such as during free throw situations where the ball is awarded to the team that did not commit the foul or in specific situations involving backcourt violations or technical fouls.
The possession arrow helps speed up the game by avoiding multiple jump balls throughout the game, simplifying the decision of who gets the ball after a tie-up or certain other situations.
