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

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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 Doubs exited the contest to be evaluated for a concussion after appearing to land hard on the back of his head following a jump ball in the end zone. —

Jelani Scott, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025 Michigan’s domination started at tipoff, the 7-foot-1 Goldin easily beating Bilodeau for the jump ball and drawing a foul on his Bruins counterpart only 47 seconds into the game. —

Ben Bolch, Los Angeles Times, 8 Jan. 2025 On the next play, Herbert threw a jump ball to Johnston in the end zone. —

Daniel Popper, The Athletic, 31 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for jump ball