How Do You Toss the Ball (Opening Tip)?
 

Think it might be an interesting thread~

I'm expecting a lot of stylish answers :)

I had been doing one hand (above head - shooting style) since I started reffing until last year. Now it's the two hand tossing (like Ken Mauer/Monty McCutchen).

Be even more interesting if you post your own picture of tossing the ball~~

Everyone is entitled to their opinion...

... And mine.

BTW, I use one hand. The only time I screw it up is when I work a middle school game coached by the association president.

must did an awkward toss huh..?

Practically 45 degrees.

Jumpin' Jack Flash
 

Troubles with both one-hand and two-handed toss from a still position for me a number of years ago, so I tried and practiced it this way. I kinda approach the two players and sorta do a layup upwards between them. Goes like this:

1. From about three feet away, I say, "After the whistle I'm going up with the toss."
2. Blow whistle
3. Spit whistle out of mouth
4. Take one short step onto my left foot as I execute a dribble.
5. Gather the ball and plant my right foot.
6. Toss the ball one handed straight up in between two jumpers.

Haven't had U1 or U2 whistle me for either a bad toss or travelling on the play since beginning this method in '03. If I were fouled after gathering the ball, I'm sure some smart-aleck is gonna call "On the Floor!", however. :D

very interesting. i did a bad toss once - with two-handed, one hand must been giving a bit more strength and then it went to the other direction... i love one-handed toss but as i'm not a tall guy, two-handed might look better

I toss with two hands overhead.

I do it one-handed starting with the ball above my head. I give a little push from the elbow. I don't bounce the ball, I walk straight in with the ball pre-positioned. I'm also 6' 5".

Why do you feel the need to say this?

At a camp one year had a supervisor (ex D1 official) who said he felt the best way to practice your toss is to stand underneath a basket and toss it through the ring from underneath.

That is how I've also been taught to practice jump balls.

Expecting or Unexpecting?
 

I guess one other interesting question is - should you let the players be aware of the moment you're gonna toss the ball? Some refs seem to giving the players a hint right before he tosses the ball while the others just toss it unexpectedly?

I don't say anything. I don't try to lull them, fool them, or anything, but I don't want them timing it too well, either.

The players should all know that when the official steps into the circle the jump is about to occur!