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
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
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.
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
Cite this Entry
“Ball control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20control. Accessed 17 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share