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
Recent Examples on the Web
Another was a jump ball from Hooker to Dominic Lovett with two minutes to go, down 27, just trying to make a play.
—
Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
That leaves Plumlee as the most logical candidate to be on the floor with LaMelo Ball & Co. when the jump ball is thrown in the air to begin the game.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025
This is most likely the same consensus teams who can’t guard me and send double teams from jump ball.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
Deep-field throws mostly depended on coverage busts, with Josh Allen extending the play, or jump ball and back shoulder passes with one of their taller receivers who couldn’t separate from their defender.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 21 May 2025
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Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
That leaves Plumlee as the most logical candidate to be on the floor with LaMelo Ball & Co. when the jump ball is thrown in the air to begin the game.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 29 July 2025
This is most likely the same consensus teams who can’t guard me and send double teams from jump ball.
—C.j. Holmes, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
Deep-field throws mostly depended on coverage busts, with Josh Allen extending the play, or jump ball and back shoulder passes with one of their taller receivers who couldn’t separate from their defender.
—Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for jump ball
Cite this Entry
“Jump ball.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20ball. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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