Tip off

[Stan]

Originally Posted by Vinski

Hi all,
I have a real newbie question for you. What is a good technique for tossing up the ball for the tip off. It kind of feels natural to me to push it up using one hand from about chest level. However, it doesn't consistently go up straight. What are some recommendations?

Thanks!

Welcome to the board. Whatever form you use, practice it under the basket. As I stand under the basket, I'm aiming to go straight up through the bottom, then straight down. This is the only "nuthin but net" I can do anymore.

[Vinski]

Thanks for the welcome. In my brief carrier, I have found this site and it's patrons to be a huge asset to me. I did my first JH games last night all went pretty good. I used a lot from what I've learned here.

I like that under the net trick. I've seen the two handed bounce technique many times, but why the bounce?

[grunewar]

The answer is - whatever you feel comfortable with.... and practice, practice, practice. And, if it goes wrong, make sure your partner is there to blow the whistle, and line em up again!

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by Vinski

I like that under the net trick. I've seen the two handed bounce technique many times, but why the bounce?

I bounce the ball mainly because I get the players to give me room. If I hit a foot, they are likely too close. I used to throw the ball up without getting between the jumpers until I was given a few pointers from a clinician at a camp.

Peace

[Damian]

First, most gyms have a beam that runs right above the division line, so look for it. It helps

Second. As an old setter from Volleyball, I would always aim for a spot in space for the hitter to come spike the ball. It works well on the toss. When you step into the circle to toss the ball, you can gauge the height of the jumpers and determine where you want the ball to go. Then, try to toss to that spot in space. Its sounds a little goofy, but it works well for me.

Practice, practice, practice.

[Back In The Saddle]

I have tried three basic techniques:

• One-handed underhand toss
• Two-handed underhand toss
• The shotput toss

In my experience the two-handed toss is more reliable than the one-handed. I have also learned that the shorter the distance the ball has to travel, the less opportunity for it to get "off course." So now I do all my tosses with the shotput. It cuts about three feet of vertical travel off the toss and seems to be the most reliable method I've tried.

BTW, I've seen Scott Thornley (MWC mens official) stand on the edge of the jump circle and toss it so that it drops down over the players. Interesting, even cutting edge, but hardly likely to fly in HS circles

[BoomerSooner]

I've actually found that it is much easier to skip the toss and just line up the fastest player from each team on their respective endline and have them race to the ball placed at center court. All the other players take their place around the circle as they would like but can not impede the players run at the ball. The sprinters must still tap the ball to a teammate. Other than some increased incidental contact, this works well for me.

[refnrev]

I do a one hand toss from chest level because thats' what works best for me. You'll figure out what's comfortable and what's not. If its a lower level game use different styles to see what works.... but if you botch it...retoss it. That's how you learn what works.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Vinski

Thanks for the welcome. In my brief carrier, I have found this site and it's patrons to be a huge asset to me. I did my first JH games last night all went pretty good. I used a lot from what I've learned here.

I like that under the net trick. I've seen the two handed bounce technique many times, but why the bounce?

The bounce:

• can signal the players to pay attention,
• can get your hands comfortably on the ball,
• can hit your foot and leave the circle.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by Stan

Welcome to the board. Whatever form you use, practice it under the basket. As I stand under the basket, I'm aiming to go straight up through the bottom, then straight down. This is the only "nuthin but net" I can do anymore.

Alternately, practice over a marked spot on the floor that would represent the center of the jump circle. If the toss goes high enough and you can consistently land the ball on that spot, it will give just as good of a practice as the basket method.