jump ball

noun

Updated on: 10 Apr 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

Kentucky defenders swarmed looking for a steal at best and no worse a jump ball.

— blair kerkhoff, kansascity, "Little things, like Diarra's hustle, help K-State top Kentucky | The Kansas City Star," 23 Mar. 2018
Instead, a jump ball at center court was called, preventing the Magic from having a chance to attempt a game-winning shot.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Aaron Gordon doesn’t pass NBA concussion protocol, sits against Spurs," 14 Mar. 2018
At 6 feet 3 and 218 pounds, Sutton is a big jump ball and red-zone target.

— jeff zrebiec, baltimoresun.com, "The latest NFL mock-draft projections for the Ravens at No. 16 and whether they make sense," 12 Mar. 2018
On the next possession, Pritchard dove on the floor and forced a jump ball.

— kyle neddenriep, Indianapolis Star, "Tiny Indiana school loses 37th basketball game in a row — and yet is not defeated," 3 Jan. 2018
Again, struggles on the inbound came into play, and a jump ball gave possession right back to St. Mary's.

— jim derry, NOLA.com, "St. Katharine Drexel feasts on St. Mary's turnovers for school's first title," 10 Mar. 2017
After a review by replay center officials in Secaucus, N.J., a jump ball was held at center court with 0.6 seconds left, giving the Magic no opportunity to score.

— josh robbins, OrlandoSentinel.com, "NBA says referees made mistakes that hurt Magic against Lakers," 9 Mar. 2018
Can a home team's clock operator just start the clock early to force a jump ball and ensure a victor?

— tania ganguli, latimes.com, "Lakers! Did home cooking and an obscure rule help the Lakers beat the Magic?," 8 Mar. 2018
Latest College Sports Highlights Malik Dunbar forced a jump ball off an inbounds pass with 50 seconds left, but Auburn (21-3, 9-2) gave it right back when Wilson came away with a turnover.

— john zenor, Houston Chronicle, "Texas A&M holds on for upset of No. 8 Auburn," 7 Feb. 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.