play the ball

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "play the ball" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in sports contexts, particularly in games like soccer or rugby, to refer to the act of focusing on the ball rather than the opponent or other distractions. Example: "In soccer, it's important to play the ball and not get distracted by the opposing players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Qld play the ball 10m out.

The Guardian - Sport

Now he can play the ball long, too.

Independent

Player One must attempt to play the ball.

Independent

"I came out to play the ball too early.

The New York Times

Luiz made no attempt to play the ball.

Independent

I can play the ball much better now.

The Guardian

Just play the ball honestly instead of guessing and guessing".

The New York Times - Sports

Isn't it time to play the ball, not the man?

The Guardian

Allison must play the ball as it lies.

The New York Times - Sports

"Play the ball in front of you," for instance.

The Guardian - Money

How he had eons more time — some microseconds — to play the ball than any other batsman.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When coaching or providing instruction, use "play the ball" to remind players to focus on the immediate task and not get distracted by opponents or external factors.

Common error

Avoid interpreting "play the ball" as a license for reckless tackles or overly aggressive play. The phrase encourages focus and skill, not foul play. Ensure that players understand the importance of fair play and sportsmanship while concentrating on the ball.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "play the ball" is as an imperative phrase, often used as a directive or instruction in sports contexts. Ludwig indicates it's correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "play the ball" is a common and grammatically correct imperative phrase primarily used in sports contexts to encourage focus and fair play. Ludwig confirms that it is widely used. While its register is generally neutral, it can be adapted to both formal and informal settings. When using the phrase, ensure the emphasis remains on skillful play and adherence to rules, rather than aggressive or unfair tactics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on the ball

Emphasizes concentration solely on the ball, removing any implication of active engagement.

handle the ball

Highlights the physical interaction and management of the ball, rather than the strategic or tactical aspects.

control the ball

Concentrates on maintaining possession and command over the ball, shifting from general play to ball mastery.

compete for the ball

Focuses on vying for possession, indicating a competitive scenario rather than a general instruction.

move the ball

Highlights the action of advancing the ball, emphasizing movement and progress in the game.

work the ball

Highlights the effort and strategy in manipulating the ball to gain an advantage.

distribute the ball

Focuses on passing and allocating the ball to different players, rather than direct action.

intercept the ball

Highlights the act of gaining possession from the opponent, emphasizing defensive action.

chase the ball

Emphasizes pursuit of the ball, often implying a reactive or defensive situation.

attack the ball

Highlights aggressive engagement and pursuit of the ball, often suggesting an offensive or high-pressure strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "play the ball" in a sentence?

You can use "play the ball" to instruct someone to focus on the ball during a game, such as, "Remember to play the ball and not the player."

What does it mean to "play the ball" and not the player?

To "play the ball" and not the player means to focus on making contact with the ball, rather than targeting or fouling the opposing player. It's a principle of fair play in sports.

Which is the correct idiom, "play the ball" or "watch the ball"?

While both phrases are related to sports, "play the ball" emphasizes action and engagement with the ball, whereas "watch the ball" is more about observation and anticipation.

What are some similar phrases to "play the ball" in sports?

Similar phrases include "focus on the ball", "control the ball", or "move the ball", each emphasizing different aspects of interacting with the ball.