guide the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guide the ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sports or activities where directing or controlling the movement of a ball is involved. Example: "To improve your soccer skills, practice how to guide the ball with precision during your drills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Your arms merely guide the ball".

The New Yorker

All the force comes from one hand; the second hand helps guide the ball.

The New York Times

So I was kind of just trying to guide the ball off the tee".

The Guardian - Sport

Edwards said Pennington briefly slipped back into his perfectionism, trying to guide the ball too much.

The New York Times - Sports

He admitted that he was trying to guide the ball, rather than shooting with confidence.

The New York Times - Sports

The left hand tends to guide the ball, and the right hand projects.

The New York Times - Sports

He said he was trying to force and guide the ball instead of trusting it to find the target.

The New York Times - Sports

On 3-point attempts, he leans into the shots slightly, as if to guide the ball telepathically.

The New York Times - Sports

Da Silva tries to guide the ball back to Barrios in the centre, but the excellent Nakazawa manages to clear.

The Guardian - Sport

When I play that way, I have a tendency to decelerate on my swing, try to guide the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

The former AFC Wimbledon striker can only guide the ball back left of target, a poor header.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing sports techniques, use "guide the ball" to emphasize precision and control, rather than simply hitting or kicking it.

Common error

Avoid using "guide the ball" in general situations where simpler verbs like "move", "roll", or "direct" would be more appropriate. Overuse can sound overly technical or jargonistic outside of specific sports or gaming contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "guide the ball" functions primarily as a verb phrase, describing the action of directing or controlling a ball's movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a common and usable expression, particularly in sports contexts. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing techniques and maneuvers in various sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "guide the ball" is a very common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe the act of directing a ball with precision. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it's widely applicable, particularly in sports contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, with notable appearances in sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. While generally neutral in register, it often takes on a professional tone when describing specific techniques or maneuvers. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "direct the ball" or "steer the ball" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

direct the ball

Focuses on imparting a specific direction to the ball's movement.

steer the ball

Emphasizes control and navigation of the ball's trajectory.

maneuver the ball

Highlights skillful handling to achieve a desired outcome.

control the ball's path

Specifies the act of managing the ball's route or course.

influence the ball's direction

Implies affecting the ball's movement through external force or technique.

position the ball accurately

Focuses on placing the ball in a precise location through guiding actions.

nudge the ball

Suggests a gentle or slight movement to influence the ball's course.

propel the ball accurately

Highlights the force and precision involved in directing the ball.

shape the ball's flight

Focuses on affecting the trajectory of the ball through specific techniques.

angle the ball precisely

Emphasizes adjusting the ball's angle for a particular purpose or outcome.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "guide the ball" in a sentence?

Use "guide the ball" to describe actions where precision and control are essential, such as in sports commentary or technical instructions. For example: "The midfielder skillfully "guided the ball" through the defense."

What are some alternatives to "guide the ball"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "direct the ball", "steer the ball", or "maneuver the ball".

Is "guide the ball" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "guide the ball" is suitable for formal writing, especially in contexts related to sports analysis, technical manuals, or instructional materials. However, ensure the tone and register align with the overall formality of the piece.

What's the difference between "guide the ball" and "hit the ball"?

"Guide the ball" implies a controlled and precise movement, whereas "hit the ball" suggests a more forceful and less controlled action. Consider using "guide the ball" when accuracy and finesse are emphasized.