The 2026-27 rulebook tightens Rule 6-4-6. Here's how to know when the possession arrow switches.
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Team A has the alternating-possession throw-in. A-2 deliberately kicks A-1's pass. Whistle, Team B's ball, and the scorer flips the arrow toward Team B.
That's wrong. Team B gets the ball, but the arrow stays with Team A.
The rule
Rule 6-4-6 was updated as an editorial change for 2026-27. It now reads:
"The opportunity to make an alternating-possession throw-in is lost if the throw-in team commits a throw-in violation. If either team fouls during an alternating-possession throw-in, it does not cause the throw-in team to lose the possession arrow. If the defensive team commits a violation during the throw-in, the possession arrow is not switched."
The simple test: did the throw-in end?
Under Rule 6-4-5, the arrow is reversed when the alternating-possession throw-in ends, and it ends when the throw-in ends under Rule 4-42-5. That happens when:
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The passed ball touches or is legally touched by another player inbounds
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The passed ball touches or is touched by another player out of bounds
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The throw-in team commits a throw-in violation
If none of those happened, the throw-in hasn't ended, and the arrow stays put.
The kick is the catch. A deliberate kick is an illegal touch, so it isn't a legal touch under 4-42-5a. It's also a kicking violation (Rule 9-4), not a throw-in violation. The throw-in never ended, so the arrow doesn't switch.
When does the arrow switch?
The arrow switches when:
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The passed ball touches or is legally touched by another player inbounds
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The passed ball touches or is touched by another player out of bounds
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The throw-in team commits a throw-in violation
The arrow does NOT switch when:
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The throw-in team commits a violation that isn't a throw-in violation (such as a kick)
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The defensive team commits a violation
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Either team commits a foul
Five plays
Play 1: The deliberate kick. A-2 intentionally kicks A-1's alternating-possession throw-in. → Arrow stays with Team A. Team B gets the ball for the kick, but the throw-in never ended.
Play 2: The accidental kick. A-1's pass hits A-2's leg by accident. → Arrow switches to Team B. The ball touched a player inbounds, so the throw-in ended. No violation; play on.
Play 3: Five seconds. A-1 doesn't release the throw-in within five seconds. → Arrow switches to Team B. A throw-in violation ends the throw-in and costs Team A its turn. Team B's ball at the original throw-in spot.
Play 4: Deflected out of bounds. B-2 deflects A-1's pass out of bounds. → Arrow switches to Team B. B-2's touch ended the throw-in. Team A keeps the ball but loses the arrow.
Play 5: Foul before the release. Before A-1 releases the throw-in, a foul is called on a player from either team. → Arrow stays with Team A. Per 6-4-6, a foul doesn't cost the throw-in team the arrow.
For the official on the floor
After any whistle on an alternating-possession throw-in, ask: Did the throw-in end? If yes, the arrow switches. If no, it stays. Cover the kick play with your table crew in the pregame, and glance at the arrow before the ball is put back in play.
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