<P> The center jump ball that was used to restart a game after every successful field goal was eliminated in 1938 , in favor of the ball being given to the non-scoring team from behind the end line where the goal was scored , in order to make play more continuous . The jump ball was still used to start the game and every period , and to restart the game after a held ball . However , the NBA stopped using the jump ball to start the second through fourth quarters in 1975 , instead using a quarter - possession system where the loser of the jump ball takes the ball from the other end to start the second and third periods , while the winner of that jump ball takes the ball to start the fourth period from the other end of the court . </P>
<P> The center jump ball that was used to restart a game after every successful field goal was eliminated in 1938 , in favor of the ball being given to the non-scoring team from behind the end line where the goal was scored , in order to make play more continuous . The jump ball was still used to start the game and every period , and to restart the game after a held ball . However , the NBA stopped using the jump ball to start the second through fourth quarters in 1975 , instead using a quarter - possession system where the loser of the jump ball takes the ball from the other end to start the second and third periods , while the winner of that jump ball takes the ball to start the fourth period from the other end of the court . </P>
when is the only time a jump ball is used
when is the only time a jump ball is used
to start the game to restart the game after a held ball
to start the game to restart the game after a held ball