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

With 35 seconds left and the score tied at 61, Clemson struggled to get a shot off as Davidson forced a jump ball and then Gerda Raulusaityte forced a tie-up of her own.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2026

Michigan’s domination started at tipoff, Goldin easily beating Bilodeau for the jump ball and drawing a foul on his Bruins counterpart only 47 seconds into the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2025

Why: All polling seems to suggest that this is a complete jump ball of a race.

From Slate • Nov. 5, 2024

A jump ball was called, and Doncic retrieved the loose ball with Dallas up three.

From Seattle Times • May 11, 2024

Then I’m on the bench watching Wes win the jump ball, which he tips to Russ, who dribbles toward the basket.

From "Boy21" by Matthew Quick