ball control

noun

Sports.

1. a team's ability to maintain possession of the ball on offense.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ball control¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Fernandez is a forward-thinking midfielder with superb ball control in tight spaces - attributes which have earned him comparisons to Barcelona legends Andreas Iniesta and Thiago Alcantara by his youth coaches.

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In the midst of a bruising Big Ten battle with Michigan, where brawn and ball control were at a premium, both of the Trojans’ top two running backs had already been carted up the Coliseum tunnel.

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City's high press meant that their left-back followed Kudus deeper, but Kudus was able to resist this pressure given his strength and ball control.

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The Galaxy opened the scoring in the 27th minute thanks to an own goal by Pachuca defender Daniel Aceves, who seemed to be struggling with ball control and spacing.

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"Our club is known for its beautiful style of play, excellent ball control, an attacking mindset, and a philosophy that sees attacking the opposition's goal as the best form of defence," River club president Jorge Brito tells BBC Sport.

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