jump ball

American  

noun

Basketball.

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

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jump ball British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of jump ball

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

The jump ball was tipped by two defenders into the waiting arms of Fonseca, who calmly grabbed it out of midair — shocking even his own teammates.

From Los Angeles Times

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.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times