POSSESSION ARROW Meaning and
Definition
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The possession arrow, commonly used in basketball, is a term referring to a rule employed to resolve alternating possessions during certain game situations. It serves as an alternative to a jump ball, which was traditionally used to determine which team gains possession of the ball in a tie situation.
The possession arrow rule operates by positioning an arrow or indicator on the scoreboard which points in the direction of the team that has the next possession. When there is a tie-up or a situation where simultaneous possession occurs, such as a held ball or a blocked shot landing in the hands of multiple players from both teams, the arrow is utilized to determine which team will gain control of the ball.
The initial possession of the game is typically determined through a coin toss or other methods, but afterwards, each jump-ball situation is considered a "held ball," thus activating the possession arrow rule. After the initial jump ball, the team that does not have the first possession will automatically receive the next possession when a tie-up occurs. The arrow will then switch direction, indicating that the opposing team will have the opportunity for possession at the next jump-ball situation.
This rule is particularly significant in college basketball, as it enhances the flow and pace of the game, eliminating the need for frequent stoppages for jump balls. The possession arrow ensures a fair and equal opportunity for both teams to possess the ball, preventing any advantage from being granted solely based on luck or chance.
Etymology of POSSESSION ARROW
The term "possession arrow" is a phrase used in basketball to refer to a device or indicator that determines which team will have possession of the ball in jump-ball situations.
The etymology of the term can be traced back to the origins of basketball itself. In early forms of the game, jump balls were used to restart play after certain situations, such as a held ball or a double foul. During these jump balls, two opposing players would jump and attempt to gain possession of the ball.
As basketball evolved, referees relied on a visual cue to determine which team gained control of the ball after a jump ball. In the 1940s, the possession arrow was introduced as a more convenient and efficient method.
The term "possession arrow" itself is a descriptive phrase that essentially refers to an arrow indicator showing which team has the right to possess the ball.
