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
The Suns have won only three jump balls to begin first quarters since Dunn entered the starting lineup 10 games ago.
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Fred Katz, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
The Celtics won the jump ball, then called timeout with 13 seconds left.
—Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
If the Suns win a jump ball and the basketball comes to Dunn, watch the rookie.
—Fred Katz, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
With the North Stars leading 47-9, Posada dove on the floor against three Hawks and managed to get a jump ball.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
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Fred Katz, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
The Celtics won the jump ball, then called timeout with 13 seconds left.
—Boston Herald, 21 Dec. 2024
If the Suns win a jump ball and the basketball comes to Dunn, watch the rookie.
—Fred Katz, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
With the North Stars leading 47-9, Posada dove on the floor against three Hawks and managed to get a jump ball.
—Matt Le Cren, Chicago Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for jump ball
Dictionary Entries Near jump ball
Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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