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ball control

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of ball control

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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In Sao Paulo, Marcela Geremias de Lima repeatedly kicks a ball against a wall, one of the exercises proposed by CUJU, which focuses on technical skills such as ball control and speed.

From Barron's Jun. 2, 2026

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.

From BBC Aug. 25, 2025

The U.S., meanwhile, has scored just once since its opener, has been abysmal at ball control and passing and ranks 18th in the tournament in possession.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 4, 2023

Pete Carroll, perhaps more than any other coach in the NFL, emphasizes the importance of ball control.

From Seattle Times Mar. 5, 2023

He helped create and promote what he later called “o jogo bonito” — the beautiful game — a style that valued clever ball control, inventive pinpoint passing and a voracious appetite for attacking.

From New York Times Dec. 29, 2022

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