jump ball

noun

|Updated on: 13 Aug 2018

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

Recent Examples of jump ball from the Web

Referee Bill Spooner told a pool reporter that the rule states that when there is a clock malfunction, that automatically results in a jump ball.

— tania ganguli, latimes.com, "Brook Lopez's free throws in the final second lift Lakers over Magic, 108-107," 8 Mar. 2018
There was a scramble for the rebound before a jump ball was called, giving the Warhawks the ball back with 17.4 left.

— andrew gruman, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "For first time ever, Classic 8 champion will have three or more losses after Arrowhead tops Mukwonago," 13 Feb. 2018
James had given up his dribble so Stephenson swarmed him and tied it up for a jump ball.

— j. michael, Indianapolis Star, "Tempers spike in intense rivalry between Pacers, Cavs with Lance Stephenson in middle," 23 Apr. 2018
By rule, a clock malfunction is solved with a jump ball.

— tania ganguli, latimes.com, "NBA says Orlando Magic should have retained possession in final second against Lakers," 8 Mar. 2018
Watching McFadden attack passes is a thing of beauty, his reaction time will eliminate the jump balls thrown in search of pass interference, McFadden attacks the ball and not the receiver, eliminating running into the receiver.

— nathaniel cline, cleveland.com, "Tarvarus McFadden, Florida State CB: NFL Draft 2018 (video)," 7 Mar. 2018
As the two players fell to the ground, one official called a jump ball, while another called a foul on Stephenson.

— clifton brown, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Lance baits LeBron (again) but controversial late call goes against Pacers," 23 Apr. 2018
Two teams, a cheering crowd, squeaking sneakers, the whistle, and the jump ball—just as always.

— ruqaya izzidien, Outside Online, "Fatimah Hussein Is America's Sports Hijab Pioneer," 6 June 2018
Either way, the 6-foot-10 redshirt freshman forward must make a decision on May 30 that, five months before the first jump ball, will have a profound effect on SDSU’s 2018-19 season.

— mark zeigler, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Deadline approaching, but SDSU's Jalen McDaniels remains undecided," 29 May 2018

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.