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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Detroit’s ball control issues persisted in the second half. Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2023 Staksrud kept Devilliers off-balance with staggered attacks, excellent ball control, and unwavering pressure. Todd Boss, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2023 But more skilled racket players will benefit from those with wider faces that employ elements like carbon fiber, which helps with ball control. Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2023 SD Loyal, for their part, prefer to spread out and maintain ball control. Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Nov. 2021 Learn drills to improve ball control and technique. Laura Groch Feb. 5, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2023 Kentucky was 39-29 in favor of run plays and the ball control and shortening the game continued to help an improved defense that has allowed just 59 points in five victories. Erick Smith, USA TODAY, 3 Oct. 2022 By the end of the game, Dallas had conducted a ball control clinic by committing six turnovers. Dallas News, 12 May 2022 Sydney is a very skilled defender with solid ball control, court movement and knowledge of the game. Dennis Victory, al, 17 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ball control.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near ball control

Cite this Entry

“Ball control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20control. Accessed 31 Mar. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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