ball control

noun

: an offensive strategy (as in football) in which a team tries to keep possession of the ball for extended periods of time

Examples of ball control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
An attacking midfielder who plays on the right, her vision of the game, ball control, ability to see spaces where no one else can and capacity to connect with Caroline Graham Hansen on the right wing for Barca are all impressive. Michael Cox, New York Times, 30 June 2025 Williams brings excitement and greater dribbling prowess, with frightening ball control at pace. James McNicholas, New York Times, 9 June 2025 The rest of the game saw St. John’s Prep play ball control. Erik Anderson, Boston Herald, 24 May 2025 The American controlled a tight first set, but Raducanu upped the ante in the second with her movement, ball control and searing forehand. Tim Ellis, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ball control

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ball control was in 1910

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Cite this Entry

“Ball control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20control. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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