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How to Keep Score in Basketball

You know a free throw is 1 point. You're here because something confusing happened during a game and you need answers. Let's skip the basics and get into the stuff that actually trips people up.

The Possession Arrow (Finally Explained)

This confuses everyone. Here's how it actually works:

The game starts with a jump ball. Whichever team doesn't win that jump ball gets the arrow pointing their way. From then on, every "jump ball situation" goes to whoever the arrow points to—and then it flips.

Jump ball situations include:

The arrow alternates all game. If you lose the opening tip, you get the next jump ball situation. Then they get the next one. And so on.

At halftime: The arrow determines who gets the ball to start the second half. If it's pointing to Team A, they get the ball—and then the arrow flips to Team B.

When Does the Clock Actually Stop?

This varies by level, which is why it's confusing:

Clock stops for (all levels):

Clock stops for made baskets:

Clock stops after defensive rebounds:

This is why NBA games take 2.5 hours for 48 minutes of play, but a youth game finishes in 45 minutes.

The Bonus System (Without the Confusion)

When a team commits too many fouls, their opponents shoot free throws even on non-shooting fouls. But the rules differ:

High School & College (per half):

NBA (per quarter):

The reset: Foul counts reset at halftime (high school/college) or each quarter (NBA).

Why this matters for scorekeepers: You need to track team fouls and announce when a team enters the bonus. Refs should know, but they're watching the play—you're watching the book.

Intentional Foul vs. Flagrant Foul vs. Technical

These get mixed up constantly:

Intentional Foul (High School/College term):

Flagrant Foul:

Technical Foul:

For scorekeepers: Technicals count toward the team foul total. Flagrants don't (the free throws are a separate penalty).

And-One Scenarios

A player gets fouled while shooting and makes the basket. What happens?

The confusing part: If they MISS the shot while being fouled, they shoot the normal number of free throws (2 for a two-point attempt, 3 for a three-point attempt). The "and-one" only applies when the shot goes in.

Overtime Rules

Game tied at the end of regulation? Here's what happens:

Length:

Fouls: Team fouls reset for overtime. Personal fouls do NOT reset (if a player has 4 fouls, they still have 4).

Timeouts: Each team usually gets 1-2 additional timeouts for overtime.

Multiple overtimes: If still tied, play another overtime. Each overtime is a fresh period for team fouls.

The Shot Clock

Not all levels have one:

Shot clock resets to:

Violation: If the shot clock expires without the ball hitting the rim, the other team gets the ball.

Backcourt Violation

Once the offensive team crosses half court with the ball, they can't go back. But the details matter:

Not a violation:

What Scorekeepers Actually Track

The official scorebook includes:

For each player:

For each team:

For the game:

Using a Digital Scoreboard

Paper scorebooks are the official standard, but a digital scoreboard helps everyone else follow along:

Create a free basketball scoreboard →

Common Scorekeeper Mistakes

Forgetting to flip the possession arrow after a jump ball situation. The arrow should change every time it's used.

Not announcing bonus status when a team hits 7 fouls. The refs should track this, but a good scorekeeper calls it out.

Missing the foul on a made basket. If there's a foul on a successful shot, mark the foul AND the points. Easy to forget one.

Losing track after a timeout. The game stops, you chat with someone, play resumes—and now you're not sure whose ball it is. Stay locked in.

Start Keeping Score

A digital scoreboard won't replace the official book, but it gives everyone in the gym a clear view of the game:

Create Free Basketball Scoreboard →

Running a tournament? Set up a bracket to track all your games.