Ok, from what I seem to remember, which isn't much, when a jump ball is thrown, isn't the ball supposed to go up before it's swatted? I mean, I thought that it was supposed to reach it's max height before it's touched, and that it was wrong to snatch it as soon as it left the ref's hand. What's the rule? Concerning Yao and his jump ball woes, the ball is getting snatched before Yao has even started to swipe for it. If it's ok to snatch it before it goes to max height, then all Yao should do is keep his feet planted, and grab it as soon as it goes up. No need to jump. What's the deal?
I was thinking that exact same thing earlier today, or was it a dream? Oh, well, I also was contemplating a ladder to drop it down as well, but that won't do.
They said this on the broadcast last night, and I couldn't stop laughing. I can't remember if it was Walton or Tolbert, but it was pretty funny.
The next time that Yao is jumping center court...watch the other player he's jumping against. The other player is always shorter, but jumps quicker than Yao. And, the other player tips the ball before it reaches it's apex. See, all you have to do is tip it faster than Yao. If Yao can get quicker explosiveness, then he will beat out the opponents on the tip. With training, this can improve.
I have noticed that, and it appears that Yao is timing his jump so that he can get the ball at the apex, but it's snatched before it gets there. Therefore, I believe that if he just didn't jump, he could swipe the ball just the same as the other players. But isn't the ball supposed to be let alone before it reaches the apex?
Yes. But the other players STILL get there before Yao does, even when it does reach the apex. Also, Yao can't jump as high as some of the other players; Keon Clark, Theo Rattliff.
This reminded me of the time when Hakeem came back from knee injury and started working with a trainer which helped him with his jumping. I think Yao might benefit from that as well.
I believe Sabonis wins plenty of tips and he weighs more than Yao Ming I think. He's a slow jumper and gets out-quicked to the ball. This is also the reason he gets dunked on a little more than average. Just not quick enough to the ball.
Timing is THE issue. I think the reason Yao isn't getting to the ball is b/c the jump ball rule is very hazy. Most "jumpers" go after the ball on its way up. I mean, IMO, its the same instinct as going for a "block". By the book, by my understanding, you're supposed to "tip" the ball at or after the ball reaches the apex. Yet, in most games, jump balls are sloppily executed b/c the refs really don't give a damn. As for Yao, we'll while his verticle isn't nearly as great as say Ben Wallace, Yao jumps like all jumpers - With Hands at Waist Level before he Jumps. The fraction of a second that Yao takes just to get his hands UP is another reason why he's losing jump balls. Given the way refs have been administering jump balls, IMHO Yao is better served with hands at or above shoulder level before he jumps. If he "bunny" jumps it with arms ready for full extension, I can't see how he could lose ANY jump ball. However, as per recent memory, the ball simply isn't getting to an "apex" that allows Yao to comfortably reach while fully stretched. No wonder his timing is off. Lastly, perhaps the "apex" was meant to be 10 feet, i.e. the height of the rim. In that case, I'm sure there are quicker jumpers than Yao. But if the "apex" is say 11 feet? My money's on Yao that he gets the ball first. So I DO agree that it's a possible "new" problem facing the refs. Again ,I don't know if there's any hard and fast rule. Nevertheless, given the habits of old, EG is probably the better sized guy to do jump balls. happyMLKdaySAGE
They should impliment the coin toss into the NBA. That would solve all the issues reguarding players stealing the jump balls. Either that or let the 2 big men arm wrestle. Whoever wins gets their team possesion of the ball to start the game.
There's nothing wrong with jump balls as long as the rules are enforced. You can't be serious about arm wrestling.
