We often see some strange things basketball players do. However, we only want to see some strange things that are good to look at, not strange things that are dumb to look at. Yes, basketball is a sport that has lots of unpredictable moments, so we have to keep our eyes sharp while watching a ball game.
One of the strangest things I have ever seen in basketball is when players roll the ball. When I was a kid I didn’t know the reason why basketball players let the ball rolling. When I started to grow up and get addicted to basketball, real quick, I realized the reason why letting the ball roll in basketball is essential.
Why do basketball players let the ball roll? Basketball players let the ball roll to stop the clock from running. They often do this ball rolling during the final minutes of the game and the last seconds of a quarter. Why? To get a chance to score a basket and to execute their strategy properly during their possession.
However, there is much more to learn about this topic. Let’s check what are the other reasons why basketball players let the ball roll, and we are going to break down each reason. Let’s check them out!
Are You Allowed To Roll The Ball In Basketball?
Basketball is a game of strategy, and most players do everything to win the ball game. Some basketball players have cheat moves that referees and fans don’t recognize, they might do some strange thing that will often amaze the fans, and sometimes they have impressive moves to outplay their opponents. They all do these things to win the game.
There is one strategy most basketball players do. They do this strategy to have more time. Sometimes you will see basketball players roll the ball, especially during every final second of a quarter, so that they can get a chance to score a last second basket. But is rolling the ball legal in basketball?
Are you allowed to roll the ball in basketball? Yes! Basketball players are allowed to roll the ball in basketball. Usually, basketball players roll the ball when inbounding at the baseline. They do this to waste some time and to keep their shot clock fresh until they cross half-court.
That is why sometimes you will see point guards rolling the ball behind the backcourt. They do this to waste time and to have a fresh 24-seconds shot clock when they cross the half-court line. This is a strategy most basketball players do to prevent time from running. However, basketball players still need to be careful because a rolling basketball is easy to steal.
What Will Happen If A Player Rolls The Ball In Basketball?
Many things might happen if a player rolls the ball in basketball. It can be negative or positive. Of course, negative effects can be prevented if a basketball player rolling the ball is focused. Rolling the ball in basketball has positive effects as well, and it was proven effective that’s why many basketball players executed this kind of strategy.
Let’s start with the negative side. The negative thing that might happen if a basketball player rolls the ball in basketball, the ball might be stolen by the opposing team. However, this can be prevented if the basketball player is focused on the game.
When basketball players roll the ball, they are like bending down on the ball, and they ready their arms to get the ball. Why? They bend down so that they can effortlessly grab the ball if any defender comes at them, and players ready their hands on the ball so that they can get the ball anytime.
What are the positive sides of rolling the ball in basketball? The positive effect of rolling the ball in basketball is basketball teams are given more time in one possession. Why? Because when basketball players roll the ball, the clock stops including the shot clock.
Six Reasons Why Basketball Players Let The Ball Roll
Now that you’ve known that rolling a ball in basketball is legal, let’s check different reasons why basketball players let the ball rolling. These reasons are what I have observed and what other people observed. I have researched everything and I asked on many forums regarding the reasons why basketball players let the ball roll in a basketball game.
During Close Fight
Close fights are expected in every basketball game, and actually, close basketball fights are exciting and worth watching. Close fights give fans some nervous feelings. However, close basketball fights, especially in the NBA, make the money of fans they used to buy tickets worthy.
Basketball players and NBA players let the ball roll in basketball during a close basketball fight. They do this to stop the clock from ticking so that they can plan their strategy very well. Well planned basketball plays are essential, especially during close games. But more time is needed to execute the well-planned play.
Last Seconds Of A Quarter
Every basketball quarter must come to an end. Basketball players will do everything they need to do to score at least in the final seconds of the quarter. They do different things and strategies to score at the final seconds of the quarter.
Basketball players roll the ball to score the last seconds shot of a quarter. Rolling the ball will stop time from running, which means more chance of releasing the ball on time. Basketball players will try a full-court or half-court shot after they have grabbed the ball from rolling.
To Get More Time
Like I have said, basketball players let the ball roll because it gives them a time advantage. Basketball players let the ball roll to get more time. Time is essential in a basketball game. That is why all basketball coaches and players will do everything to make their possession longer.
To Save Crucial Seconds
Basketball is a crucial sport that needs high I.Q and skills to win. The two main crucial parts in a basketball game are during every last second of a quarter, and during the final minutes of the final quarter, especially if it is a close game.
Basketball players let the ball roll to save crucial seconds of the game. They will roll the ball to get a full 24 seconds shot clock when they cross the half-court line. You will see basketball players roll the ball during the start of a quarter and the final minutes of a close game.
Waste Some Time
When a basketball team has a lead and they waste the time, it is part of their strategy. Basketball players will let the ball roll to waste some time to prevent their opposing team from chasing their score. Basketball teams that have a high lead on the game are the ones who often do this strategy.
Show Respects
When the game is near its end, and Team A has a 30 points lead over team B, team A will most likely let the ball roll to waste time and show respect to team B.
In the NBA, it is very disrespectful when a team still tries to score during the final seconds of the game when they have a big lead. NBA players let the ball roll to show some decency and respect.
Can You Bounce The Ball After It Is Rolling In Basketball?
There is one question I have seen in a basketball forum. The user asked if they can still grab and dribble the ball if it hits their hands or feet and starts rolling, not bouncing. What is the answer to this question?
Can you bounce the ball after it rolls in basketball? It is not considered double dribbling when the ball accidentally hits the hands or feet of a player and starts to roll, and they grab the ball and dribble it.
Check the official rules of the NBA and FIBA regarding this issue:
Proper Rolling Of The Ball In Basketball
There is an effective way of rolling the ball in basketball, and it is always used when inbounding the ball at the baseline. Let me teach you how:
For The Passer:
The Passer:
- Step 1: Make sure that there are no defenders near you.
- Step 2: Throw the ball in a gentle manner that will make it slow when it rolls.
- Step 3: Make sure to signal your point guard that you will roll the ball.
For The Ball Handler:
- Step 1: Make sure that there are no defenders near you.
- Step 2: Always eye on the ball and wait for your teammate’s signal
- Step 3: Once the ball starts rolling, put your body, and hands down near the ball so that you can grab the ball effortlessly when defenders begin to come.
Final Words
Rolling the ball in basketball is one of the best strategies a basketball player can do to save time and maximize their team’s possession. It is legal to roll a basketball, and it is better to roll the ball when inbounding at the baseline.
Have you ever tried to roll the ball in a basketball? If yes, how did it go. and what are the reasons why you let the ball roll? Comment your answers in the comment section below!
