bouncing the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

"bouncing the ball" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to sports, games, or metaphorically to describe a back-and-forth exchange. Example: "He practiced bouncing the ball to improve his coordination." Alternative expressions include "dribbling the ball" and "rebounding the ball."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Players should be bouncing the ball to the flagstick.

The New York Times

Not that he can catch, but he loves just bouncing the ball.

The New York Times

Then the visiting goalkeeper had been bouncing the ball in front of the Shed End.

The Guardian - Sport

Murray is anxiously bouncing the ball off the back wall to stay warm as Djokovic has his right thigh massaged.

The New York Times

"I don't want to get too technical, but I thought it was pretty cool," he said, at one point bouncing the ball on his head.

The New York Times

Only then did Nadal stop bouncing the ball with his racket face (nine bounces in all) and switch the ball to his right hand for five more bounces.

The New York Times - Sports

But early in his career, Novak Djokovic became known for bouncing the ball 10, 15, even 20 times in tight matches.

The New York Times - Sports

Gourcuff repeated the free kick later in the game, bouncing the ball off the bar, the post and then the chest of Nikopolidis.

The New York Times - Sports

He stood near midcourt, bouncing the ball, then surged toward the basket, creating a lane for center Gorgui Dieng, who took a pass and slammed home a dunk.

The New York Times

"Obviously if a bloke is running down the wing bouncing the ball it's not necessarily the time to offer an opinion about something else.

The Guardian - Sport

The ball nestles into a divot, which may or may not explain Tiger's misjudgement in bouncing the ball back up onto the green.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a repetitive action, consider using "bouncing the ball" in conjunction with adverbs to specify the manner of bouncing (e.g., "bouncing the ball rhythmically").

Common error

Ensure context is clear when using "bouncing the ball". Without context, it might not be clear which sport or type of ball is being referred to. Specify the type of ball (basketball, tennis ball, etc.) if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bouncing the ball" functions primarily as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun within a sentence. Ludwig AI demonstrates this through numerous examples where it acts as the subject or object of a verb, describing an ongoing action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

30%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bouncing the ball" is a very common gerund phrase used to describe the action of repeatedly hitting a ball against a surface. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it functions as a noun and is used across various contexts, particularly in news, sports and general instructional content. The phrase maintains a neutral to informal tone and is considered grammatically correct. As Ludwig highlights, its frequency and consistent usage across reliable sources underscore its acceptance in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bouncing a ball

A more general term, lacking the definite article, which broadens its application.

Dribbling the ball

Focuses specifically on the continuous bouncing of a ball, especially in sports like basketball.

Dribbling the basketball

Specifically describes the action of dribbling in basketball.

Bouncing the basketball

Specifies the type of ball being bounced.

Bouncing the tennis ball

Specifies the type of ball being bounced.

Hopping the ball

Describes a short bounce, often used in specific sports contexts.

Tapping the ball

Implies a lighter, less forceful action compared to bouncing.

Handling the ball

Broader term indicating general management and control of a ball.

Palming the basketball

An illegal move in basketball of holding the ball while dribbling.

Kicking the ball

Replaces the "bouncing" action with the "kicking" action, specific to sports like soccer.

FAQs

How is "bouncing the ball" typically used in a sentence?

Typically, "bouncing the ball" describes the act of repeatedly hitting a ball against a surface, often the ground. For example, "He was "bouncing the ball" to warm up before the game".

What are some alternatives to "bouncing the ball"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "dribbling the ball" (especially in basketball), "bouncing a ball" (more general), or, if specifying a particular sport, "bouncing the basketball".

Is it more appropriate to say "bouncing the ball" or "dribbling the ball"?

While "bouncing the ball" is a general term, "dribbling the ball" is more specific to basketball. Use "dribbling the ball" when referring to the act of bouncing the ball while moving in basketball.

What's the difference between ""bouncing the ball"" and "handling the ball"?

"Bouncing the ball" refers specifically to the act of repeatedly hitting the ball against a surface. "Handling the ball" is a broader term that encompasses any way of controlling or manipulating the ball with your hands.