• The Alternating Possession (AP) arrow is used in NFHS and NCAA games to determine which team is awarded the ball in certain dead-ball situations.
• The arrow indicates the direction of a team’s basket for the alternating-possession throw-in.
• Situations where the AP arrow is used include:
  • Held ball situations
  • Inadvertent whistles when no team control is established
  • Simultaneous violations by both teams
  • The ball becoming lodged between the rim and backboard (flange)
• Professional leagues do not use the AP arrow.