In basketball, the act of securing the ball after a missed field goal or free throw attempt is a fundamental play. This action occurs when a player gains possession of the ball following an unsuccessful shot that has bounced off the backboard or rim. An example includes a player positioning themself under the basket to catch the ball after a teammate’s shot fails to go in.
Gaining possession after a missed shot is critically important as it provides a team with additional opportunities to score and prevents the opposing team from doing so. It can significantly influence the outcome of a game. Historically, teams that excel at securing missed shots often exhibit a higher win rate, illustrating its strategic value in gaining a competitive advantage and controlling the pace of the game.