Basketball Statistics Blog

Basketball Registering Stats Referred Concepts:
The Alternate-possession Rule Must Change ?

" ... Why the alternate-possession rule must be changed ?

- An inspired defensive effort by a trailing team should not be undone because it's the other team's turn to take possession.

- An official's inability to consistently make a fair toss should not alter the rules of the game.

- The rule really penalizes a great defensive effort. You can make a great defensive play but late in the game Team B forces a jump ball, an alternate possession goes to Team A who scores the goal in the last second to win the game.

- When they try to make the game too fair, they take away the whole reason for competing. It shouldn't be a 'fair' factor. It should be whomever is aggressive enough to get his hands on the ball. That's the unknown about any sport. That's what makes the sport interesting.

Photograph: Greg McIver

Why changing the alternate-possession rule would not be efficient ?

- For the same reason it was established the potential for a toss that gives one team an unfair advantage over the other.

- A late-game jump ball, in an intense sequence, increases the possibility of injury to officials.

- At least some advantage is gained from tying up the ball, even if it is only reversing the possession arrow.

- The alternative is worse. In many instances, one or the other team has a dominant big man who almost always controls the tip. ... "

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