The Opening Gambit – the lost art of the jumpball
What do coaches tell their players just before tip-off?
In the last huddle we often demand our players to start the game with the right energy. On court, but also from the bench.
Is there a better way to ignite that energy than by opening the game with an easy basket or a spectacular dunk? Probably not.
And why not run it right away from the tip-off situation? A tactical wrinkle starting from the specific line-up around the half-court circle.
If it works out, it sets the tone, energizes the bench, and creates confidence in the team.
There’s also a psychological element. Executing a planned jump ball strategy can immediately build trust between players and coach. When the team sees a play unfold as drawn on the whiteboard, the players buy into your leadership and tactical preparation.
Sure, starting 2-0 or 0-2 might not affect the game’s outcome by a lot. But we all know that basketball is a game of runs. That first success can shape momentum during the opening minutes of the game.
A good example to study is the Spanish national team under Sergio Scariolo. They often run the tip-off to create an early opportunity for the big. With a simple backscreen for the jumping big they feed the ball to the low-post in the first play, hoping for an easy score or a provoked foul by the opponent’s big:
Strategic use of the jump ball isn’t only usefull when you know you have a good chance to win the toss. With a bit of creativity you can even turn an hopeless situation into an advantage.
The Belgian Cats (Belgiam NT women) demonstrated this beautifully. Julie Vanloo, knowing they’d likely lose the tip, cleverly positioned herself to steal the ball on the moment the ball went into the air. It’s a brilliant example of turning an apparent disadvantage into an early advantage:
This art of using the jump ball has become somewhat forgotten.
In 2003, FIBA reduced the number of jump balls to one per game. The result? Coaches often overlook this crucial opportunity.
Many follow the NBA approach: a simple tip to the backcourt, where the point guard slowly brings up the ball to start a set play. Team USA showcased this also on the recent Olympics, as you can see here in their exhibition game versus Germany:
While I’ve spent a lot of time studying jump ball scenarios, I won’t lay all my cards on the table. Some strategies are best kept close to the chest. But I believe the tip-off deserves attention. Whether you have the tallest jumper on the court or a plan to outthink the opponent, the jump ball is an opportunity to set the tone and dictate the game’s rhythm.
Basketball is a game of moments. Don’t let this one pass you by. Seize the opening gambit.