In basketball, play moves fast, making it difficult to retain possession without throwing an errant pass or committing a turnover. Rules violations and other circumstances may also determine possession, taking the ball from one team and awarding it to the other. Determining dual possession requires special consideration, with the exact means used varying from league to league.
Out of Bounds
If a ball goes out of bounds, the last team to touch the ball loses possession. Any player in possession of the basketball who steps out of bounds also forfeits possession to the other team. The subsequent possession begins with the offensive team throwing the ball in from the point where it went out of bounds.
Fouls and Violations
Possession may also change because of offensive fouls or dribbling violations. When a player commits a charge or engages in overly physical play, he'll earn a personal foul and forfeit possession to the other team. Players who violate legal dribbling rules by traveling, double dribbling or carrying the ball will also forfeit possession, as will any team exceeding the designated shot clock time limit.
Jump Ball
In the NBA, officials call for a jump ball whenever there's a question as to possession. Such uncertainty can stem from indecision over the last team to touch the ball before it goes out of bounds, a difference of opinion between referees, a double foul committed in a loose ball situation or a ball getting stuck between the rim and backboard. Jump balls also settle matters when two players claim simultaneous possession. In such instances, the referee brings both players to the nearest circle to where the held ball took place and tosses the ball straight up between them. The players attempt to jump and tip the ball to a teammate in order to win possession.
Possession Arrow
College basketball and other youth leagues don't use jump balls to settle dual possession. Instead, these leagues use a possession arrow, which basically alternates possessions between the teams throughout the course of the game. Whichever team loses the opening tip gets the possession arrow, which usually takes the form of an electronic display at the scorer's table, pointed in their direction. The next time there's dual possession or some question as to possession, the team with the possession arrow will get the ball. Once possession flips, so does the possession arrow, ensuring the other team will get the ball the next time a question arises.
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