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 After wide receiver Jaylen Thomas snatched a 50-50 jump ball for 41 yards, Williams finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown to put the Yellow Jackets up first.
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David J. Kim, The Courier-Journal, "Central beats Waggener in playoffs as game called early due to fourth quarter scuffle," 21 Nov. 2020 The Longhorns have struggled defensively in getting heads turned to the ball in a jump ball situation, but Ash clarified that whenever a defensive back is in position, they’re taught to play the football, not just the receiver.
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Dallas News, "Chris Ash, Mike Yurcich know man coverage may be Texas’ key to upsetting Oklahoma State," 28 Oct. 2020 In eastern Lorain County, state Rep. Gayle Manning, a Republican, is running for re-election in what on paper could be a jump ball.
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Andrew J. Tobias, cleveland, "Counties along Ohio’s Lake Erie’ shores will help tell the story of this year’s presidential election," 28 Oct. 2020 Horn gave up a long completion on a jump ball and got flagged for a holding penalty.
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Christopher Smith, al, "South Carolina vs. LSU betting line, picks, odds and predictions," 23 Oct. 2020 With less than four minute left, Wentz found wide receiver Travis Fulgham for an 18-yard score on a fourth-down jump ball over cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey.
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Jonas Shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "Instant analysis: Ravens avoid late collapse, hang on to beat Eagles, 30-28, to move to 5-1 entering bye week," 18 Oct. 2020 The highlight play of the game came when McClain threw a jump ball to receiver Lawrence Jones Jr., who out-leaped a defender to make it 19-0 in the second quarter.
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Jason Lucas, orlandosentinel.com, "Seminole shuts down Flagler Palm Coast," 16 Oct. 2020 Oklahoma tight end Austin Stogner responded by winning a jump ball over Chris Adimora in the end zone.
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Nick Moyle, ExpressNews.com, "Four-overtime thriller with Oklahoma leaves No. 22 Texas exhausted, disappointed," 10 Oct. 2020 Auburn gave up two explosive runs back-to-back before South Carolina wide receiver Shi Smith made an incredible play on a jump ball for a touchdown.
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Giana Han, al, "Auburn pass rush steps forward but still has another step to go," 18 Oct. 2020
See MoreThese 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.
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Time Traveler for jump ball
The first known use of jump ball was in 1924
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