jump ball

noun

Definition of jump ball

: 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

Two more completions got the Pack to the 8, and Graham did what most former basketball players turned tight ends should, winning a jump ball in the end zone. — Barry Wilner, BostonGlobe.com, "Packers defense stifles Bears in NFL season opener," 6 Sep. 2019 Andrew Crocker caught a jump ball in the end zone to cut the lead to 21-12, but Man Valley stopped the two-point conversion try. — Justin Fitzgerald, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Late interception seals Manchester Valley victory over North Hagerstown, 2-0 start to season," 14 Sep. 2019 Narbonne took a two-touchdown lead as Garcia threw a jump ball to Queen into the left corner of the end zone. — Devin Ugland, Los Angeles Times, "Narbonne and Jake Garcia cruise to 38-0 win over Orange Lutheran," 13 Sep. 2019 An official called a jump ball instead of a foul, and Jokic, ejected three times last season with the Nuggets, offered a few choice words in his direction. — Mike Singer, The Denver Post, "Nuggets All-Star Nikola Jokic ejected from FIBA World Cup matchup against Spain," 8 Sep. 2019 Two more completions got the Pack to the 8, and Graham did what most former basketball players turned tight ends should, winning a jump ball in the end zone. — Barry Wilner, BostonGlobe.com, "Packers defense stifles Bears in NFL season opener," 6 Sep. 2019 Two more completions got the Pack to the 8, and Graham did what most former basketball players turned tight ends should, winning a jump ball in the end zone. — Barry Wilner, orlandosentinel.com, "Packers ride defense, Aaron Rodgers to 10-3 victory against Bears," 5 Sep. 2019 Then tight end Jimmy Graham outjumped Bush for a jump ball in the end zone. — Rich Campbell, chicagotribune.com, "Tight end Trey Burton sidelined with a groin injury for Bears opener," 5 Sep. 2019 The payoff is obvious anytime Mann pancakes an opposing defensive back or wins a jump ball. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, "High school football: Gophers commit Jonathan Mann is Rosemount’s star receiver, and ideal leader," 28 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'jump ball.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.