jump ball

noun

Basketball.

1. a ball tossed into the air above and between two opposing players by the referee in putting the ball into play.

jump ball

noun

1. basketball a ball thrown high by the referee between two opposing players to put it in play, as after a stoppage in which no foul or violation was committed

Word History and Origins

Origin of jump ball¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Unlike Games 1 and 2 of this series, which the Dodgers dominated outside of a brief ninth-inning scare in the opener, Thursday’s contest was much of a jump ball.

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Instead, it went to a jump ball, Jackson got charged for a personal, and Rivers went to the free-throw line.

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They did to start the game, Kobe Johnson reaching in to force a jump ball before the first point had been scored.

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He throws up what looks like a jump ball until you realize the pass actually is directed to a leaping receiver.

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On the ensuing possession, Clark lost the ball and during the scramble, Jordan Horston forced a jump ball against Aliyah Boston.

Read more on Seattle Times