Basketball Rules - Held Ball

According to basic basketball rules, a held ball is when both the offensive team and the defensive team both have control of the basketball at the same time.  In youth basketball, middle school basketball, high school basketball, and college basketball when a held ball is called the possession arrow will determine who gets possession of the basketball.  The possession arrow alternates with each held ball or the start of each quarter.  According to NBA basketball rules, when a held ball occurs the referee will throw the ball up in the air at midcourt and the two players who had possession at the same time will jump and try to deflect the ball to their teammates.  The taller player or player who can jump the highest has the advantage in the NBA when a held ball is called.   The Held Ball is similar to the Jump Ball.