How to Win a Tip-Off in Basketball

The start of any regulation basketball game, whether in the NBA, the WNBA, the collegiate level, or even at the high school level, always begins with a basketball tip-off.  And while winning the tip-off doesn’t guarantee you success in the game, it can provide a brief boost in morale and motivation.

However, understanding what the tip-off is, and just how to win a tip-off in basketball, will help you further your understanding of the game and the mechanics that go into being a successful basketball player. 

Below, we are not only going to discuss how to win a tip-off, but also what steps you can take before the tip-off to help ensure you win the jump ball.  In addition, we will discuss just what a tip-off is and what steps you and your team should take whether you win the tip-off or not.

What is a Tip-Off in Basketball?

A regulation game of basketball, whether in the NBA, the WNBA, or the NCAA, only begins once the tip off has been initiated.  The tip-off is a form of a jump ball and occurs between two players from opposing teams.  To begin the game, the tip-off will occur at the center circle of the basketball court.

The term tip-off is also synonymous, and commonly referred to as, the tip.  A tip-off not only signifies the start of a basketball game but also rewards the winning player, and their team, with initial possession of the basketball.  And while winning the tip-off doesn’t guarantee success or winning the game, it can boost the morale of the winning team.

What Are the Rules of the Tip-Off?

Although the tip-off is relatively simple, in concept, there are a few rules which should be adhered to.  Firstly, the tip-off, as with the jump ball, occurs between two players from opposing teams.  Secondly, the tip-off always occurs in the middle of the basketball court, within the center circle.

Further, neither player is allowed to jump for the ball until the basketball has reached the apex of its ascent. Similarly, neither player is allowed to grab the basketball in midair, rather they are only allowed to tap or swat it in the direction to which their teammates are positioned.

And speaking of teammates, at the initial tip-off, all other players must remain still while the tip-off is in progress.  Once the basketball has made contact with either jumping player, they may begin play of the game.  And lastly, for the tip-off, no other player than the two opposing ones vying for the ball may enter the center circle until play has initiated.

Differences Between a Tip-Off and a Jump Ball

If you watch a lot of basketball on tv or begin playing in a regulated league, you may hear the term jump ball used interchangeably for the tip-off.  And while the general act of a jump ball is similar to that of the tip-off, the two have a few distinct differences.

For starters, the tip-off is done to signify the start of the game and only occurs once in each game.  Secondly, whereas the jump ball can occur at any pace on the court, the tip-off is relegated to the center circle and cannot veer from that starting point.

And lastly, the tip-off can be completed by any player on either team.  While team’s will typically have their tallest players, the centers, compete for the tip-off, they could theoretically choose a different player to compete for the tip-off and initial possession of the basketball.

In comparison, the jump ball situation only occurs when two players from opposing teams hold onto the basketball for two full seconds.  In this situation, to avoid injury and the potential of fighting for possession, the two players who initially held onto the basketball will compete in a jump ball.

And, as compared to a tip-off situation, the jump ball can occur at any point on the basketball court.  Similarly, whereas a tip-off situation can be decided by any player from either team, in a jump ball situation, only the two players who initially had control of the basketball may compete for the jump ball.

Lastly, and as a point of reference, whereas all jump ball situations in the NBA occur between two opposing players competing  for control and possession of the basketball, the NCAA game and league determines possession via an alternating possession system.

This means that if a jump ball situation occurs, the team who lost the initial tip-off will receive possession of the basketball in the event of a jump ball.  Similarly, if an additional jump ball situation were to unfold, then the alternate team would receive possession.

Winning a Tip-Off or Jump Ball Situation

While many people believe that a tip-off or jump ball situation is almost always won by the taller player, nothing can be further from the truth.   Rather, the tip-off and jump ball is typically won by the player more prepared for the jump and the one who can elevate themselves faster than the opposing player.

So, if you ever find yourself in a tip-off or jump ball situation, particularly against a taller player, don’t be dismayed.  Rather, follow some of these simple, straightforward directions to better help you to win the tip-off or jump ball.  While you won’t win every tip-off or jump ball, following these steps can help you to improve the probability of winning one.

• Get loose beforehand – one of the most important aspects of the tip-off and the jump ball is your ability to outstretch your arms, hands, and fingers.  Therefore, before a tip-off or a jump ball, be sure to get loose and warmed up.  Shake out any knots and swing your arms back-and-forth around the sides of your body.

• Focus on the task at hand – whether you are standing within the center circle or another spot on the court, be sure to focus on the task at hand and the incoming jump.  If you get distracted or lose your attention, you may jump late and miss out on tipping the ball to your teammate.

• Locate your teammates – as stated above, neither a tip-off nor a jump ball situation allows for direct possession of the basketball by the jumping player.  Rather, to secure possession of the basketball, you must tip the ball to one of your teammates.  So, before the tip-off, be sure to locate your teammates and envision yourself tapping the ball to them to secure.

• Be the first one to elevate – while the rules clearly state that neither player is allowed to jump for the ball before it reaches its apex, there is generally some leeway.  While you don’t want to jump for the ball on its initial ascent, jumping immediately before it reaches its apex can better help you to tip it in your chosen direction.

• Use the power in your legs – jumping, in general, requires muscular strength in the legs.  When you are looking to jump higher, bending slightly at the knees and preparing your legs to push-off can help you to reach higher heights.  So, when you are about to compete for a tip-off or jump ball, bend forward slightly, and prepare your leg muscles to push-off the ground.

• Keep your arms in front of you, with your hands upright – in addition, before jumping for the tip, be sure to keep your arms in front of you with your hands upright, slightly above your head.  This will help you to more quickly elevate your arms and hands and reach out to tip the basketball.

• Tip the basketball with your fingertips – too often, basketball players attempting to win the tip-off, or the jump ball will attempt to tap or swat the ball with the palm of their hands.  This is incorrect and will leave you at a disadvantage.  Rather, attempt to tip the basketball with your fingertips, which are the points of your body that will reach the descending basketball the fastest. 

• Aim to tap the basketball – lastly, don’t look to swat or hit the basketball.  Rather, a simple, subtle tip is enough to move the ball and its trajectory to your intended location.  A simple tip can be better controlled and will ensure that the basketball lands to your teammate and not the opposing team.

Does the Tip-Off Matter?

Whether you win the tip-off or not, it’s important to not get demotivated if you lose out on it.  In today’s NBA and NCAA games, the tip-off matters less-and-less and is commonly seen as a formality.  With each team getting equal possession of the basketball to start the four quarters, the tip-off is more of a formality and is done to signal the start of the game.

However, understanding just how to win a tip-off will better help you to win a jump ball situation.  While not as necessary in the NCAA sport, the jump ball awards immediate possession to the winning player and team and can often lead to fast-break situations.