jump ball
noun
: a method of putting a basketball into play by tossing it into the air between two opponents who jump up and attempt to tap the ball to a teammate
also
: a ball put into play in this manner
Examples of jump ball in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jackson grabbed three rebounds in less than four minutes, and Pueyo corralled a jump ball to prevent a Liberty possession with under a minute left.
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Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2024
The organization acquired Precious Achiuwa as part of the Anunoby deal, and third-year big man Jericho Sims initially started in Robinson’s place before injuring his ankle on a jump ball.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2024
Preston: The Ravens need to find a quality speed threat on the outside who can make the difficult catch in traffic or win a jump ball.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2024
At 6-3, Johnson is big enough to contest jump balls.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for jump ball 
Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2024
The organization acquired Precious Achiuwa as part of the Anunoby deal, and third-year big man Jericho Sims initially started in Robinson’s place before injuring his ankle on a jump ball.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2024
Preston: The Ravens need to find a quality speed threat on the outside who can make the difficult catch in traffic or win a jump ball.
—Baltimore Sun Staff, Baltimore Sun, 18 Mar. 2024
At 6-3, Johnson is big enough to contest jump balls.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for jump ball
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'jump ball.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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