Get a quick score from the opening tip with this jump ball play that utilizes a backscreen to create a layup. O5 will tip the jump ball to O3. On the toss, O2 releases and breaks over to the ball side ahead of O3. O3 passes the ball to O2. O4 takes a step into the circle and backscreens the opposing center. O5 breaks off the screen toward the basket. O2 passes ahead to O5 for the layup. If a defender stays in the middle of the court area, O2 can look to penetrate to the hoop and … [Read more...]

Utilize the 'Wide Attack' jump ball play when you know you will most likely win the tip and you want to get a quick score to start the game. The jumper (O5) is obviously in the center circle ready for the official's toss. The other four players form a box around the circle. Two ball handling guards should be positioned to one side ... and the tip should be controlled to that side. In this diagram, O3 and O1 are the ball handlers. On the official's toss, O5 attempts to tip the basketball to … [Read more...]

This 'cross formation' jump ball set is preferable when the tap is not assured and when a defensive jump ball is necessary. Essentially, if you think you may not gain possession on the tip, you set up in the the cross formation. This guard around play, however, is effective if you do gain the tip. When the official tosses the ball up, O5 attempts to tap it to O2. O2 then hands the ball to O3 as O2 goes past and toward the basket. O1 goes right and O5 trails middle. O4 becomes the safety … [Read more...]

On this jump ball play, if you know the opposing jumper will be concerned with trying to control the tip, he will be vulnerable to a back screen. In this situation, your jumper has a height or jumping advantage. After tipping the basketball to a teammate toward the basket, the jumper takes advantage of a screen being set by the other forward teammate. He immediately cuts hard to the basket looking for a pass. To set up for this jump ball play, the offensive team lines up in a box formation … [Read more...]