Live Ball and Dead Ball

This section explores the rules behind live ball, dead ball, and why understanding of when the ball is live versus dead is important.

The NFHS basketball rules book covers live ball and dead ball in Section 6-1 and Section 6-7.

Note: The information covered in this section applies to games following NFHS rules.

Please select a tab to find out more about the selected topic.

The ball becomes live when:

1. On a jump ball, the ball leaves the official's hands.
2. On a throw-in, when the ball is at the disposal of the thrower.
3. On a free-throw, when the ball is at the disposal of the free-throw shooter.

Think of it as: when the players dictate what happens next to the ball, the ball is live.

In the three situations above:

1. When the official tosses the ball up for the jump ball, the two jumpers now decide what happens next to the ball.  The ball is live.
2. On a throw-in, when the official gives the ball to the thrower, the thrower now decides what happens next to the ball.  The ball is live.
3. On a free-throw, when the official gives the ball to the free-throw shooter, the shooter now decides what happens next to the ball.  The ball is live.

There are many situations in which a ball becomes dead.  Typically, a dead ball signals a brief stoppage of physical play.  Basketball is a contact sport so contact is inevitable, but there should be no physical contact during dead ball.

Ways for the ball to become dead:

1. Following a successful try until the thrower picks up the ball and is ready to proceed with the throw in.
2. A foul or violation occurs.
3. The ball comes to rest on the flange of the basket or the ball gets stuck on the basket (enforcement is through the AP arrow).
4. A held ball occurs.
5. A timeout is granted.
6. An official's whistle is blown.
7. Time expires for a quarter or extra period.

There is one exception: The ball does not become dead until a shot try or tap ends, or until the airborne shooter returns to the ground (one foot lands = shooter has returned to the ground).

Correlation Between Live Ball/Dead Ball and the Clock

• A ball being live or dead has nothing to do with the clock.
• Just because the ball is live, does not mean the clock is started.
• During an inbounds once the official gives the ball to the thrower, the ball is live, but the clock is stopped.
• Just because the ball is dead, does not mean the clock is stopped.
• On a successful try, the clock continues to run.

Timeouts

• Only the offensive team can call a timeout when the ball is live.
• Either team (offensive or defensive) team can call a timeout when the ball is dead.

Fouls

• If contact occurs when the ball is dead, by rule the contact is either ignored or ruled a technical (intentional or flagrant) foul (Rule 4-19, Art 5c).

• This means that if contact occurs between opponents during a dead ball that warrants a foul call, then that foul will be a technical (intentional or flagrant) and the procedures for a technical foul will be followed (2 free throws and possession of the ball).

Procedural

• If the ball is dead as a result of anything other than a made basket, then the official must put the ball in play:

• For example: If the ball goes out of bounds, the official MUST give the ball to the inbounding thrower.
• For example: If a foul/violation is called, the official MUST give the ball to the inbounding thrower or free throw shooter.
• Note: On a made basket, the official does not need to give the ball to the inbounding player.

Question: A1 releases the ball on a try for goal.  The try is successful.   Is the ball dead and when does it become live again?
Answer:  The ball is dead as soon as the try is successful.  The ball is not live again until it is at the disposal of the thrower.

Question: A1 releases the ball on a try for goal.  The try is successful.   As soon as the try is made, Team A coach calls a timeout.  Is this allowed?
Answer: Yes.  The ball is dead, either team may call time out.

Question: A1 releases the ball on a try for goal.  The try is successful.   B1 picks up the ball, but has not started his throw-in yet.  Team A coach calls a timeout.  Is this allowed?
Answer:  No, once B1 picks up the ball, B1 has now established player control and team control.  The ball is live and only Team B may call a timeout.

Question: A1 throws a pass that goes out of bounds.  B1 picks up the ball and proceeds to inbound it to B2.  Is this allowed?
Answer: No.  In this situation, the official must put the ball into play. The official shall blow the whistle, signal which team will have the ball, and indicate the spot of the throw-in.  The official shall then place the ball at the disposal of the thrower, which will make the ball live.

Question: B1 fouls A1.  After the whistle has blown, A1 places two hands on B1 and shoves B1.  The official rules this a common personal foul on A1.  Is the official correct?
Answer: No.  By rule, contact during dead ball is either a technical foul or is ignored.   Because A1 placed two hands on B1 and shoved B1, this cannot be considered incidental contact and must be ruled a technical foul.