Definition of Air Ball

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What does the term "air ball" mean in the world of basketball? What is meant by the term "air ball"?

In basketball, an "air ball" occurs when a player attempts a shot that completely misses - it doesn't touch the rim or the backboard.

If a player attempts a shot and has an "air ball" in a road game, the home crowd will usually greet them with chants of "AIR BALL! AIR BALL!"

Air balls are extremely embarrassing, especially for professional basketball players.

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It's important to note that if a player shoots an air ball, the 24-second shot clock will not reset.

So, if time is running out on the shot clock and a player shoots an air ball and the shot clock expires, the opposing team will get the basketball.

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Air balls from contested shots are more frequent in the NBA.

Uncontested air balls will usually land you on ESPN Sportscenter.