Notice: This article was written by Steve Jordan, Coach's Notebook. Email the author at sjordan@alaskalife.net.
Agreed, the tip-off play may be the only occurrence of a jump ball in a game, especially if alternating possessions are used in your league. However, if you have a strong jumper that can control the tip most of the time, you may realize the luxury of starting the game with a quick basket. Scoring within the first two or three seconds of a game can be a huge emotional lift for your players and fans.
Conduct a jump ball contest among your players early in the season. The players enjoy the exercise and you may discover an unexpected leaping talent. Ask the reigning champion to take on all comers or construct a mini-tournament to determine a winner. Many players never get a chance to participate in a jump ball and look forward to the challenge.
The tip-off play described here is as simple as they get. Set your players up so that one of your bigger people is on the circle and faces the jumper and with his back to the basket. One player stays all the way back to protect your basket. The other two line up on the circle where the half court line bisects it, one on each side of the jumper. When the referee tosses the ball in the air, the two players at mid-court cut to the basket without waiting for the tip. The jumper tips to the larger teammate who is facing him. That player, upon receiving the ball, quickly passes to either of the teammates streaking to the basket. Performed well, this play usually results in a 2:1 fast break situation.
There are two risks. The first is that the cutting players may be called for leaving the circle too soon, but that is rarely called. The more common risk is if the other team controls the tip, they will have a significant numerical advantage as they go to the basket. If your team is short, it may be better to forfeit the tip. Teach the play anyway. Sometimes tall teams become cocky and can be surprised by a quick tip-off play executed by the shorter team.
There's another tip-off play that we started using this year that's pretty fun. The tip is directed to a big man who immediately passes to the point guard. Instead of everyone running to score, though, they all run the other way to play defense, with the point guard waving them that way. The other team will either chase them or stop in confusion. That's when the point guard whirls around and drives to the basket.
If tip off control is uncertain, the players usually match up around the circle. Many teams these days are actually off the circle 2-3', but still matched up.
If you're at a disadvantage, I like having two players on defense (free throw line) to begin with and generally concede the tip. I have seen some teams set up a full-blown half court trap defense and concede the tip altogether.