Ballhandling – Definition & Meaning

Ballhandling is a term used in basketball that refers to the skill of controlling the ball while dribbling, passing, or shooting. It is a fundamental skill that every basketball player must possess to be successful on the court. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, and antonyms of ballhandling.

Definitions

Ballhandling is the ability to control the ball with one’s hands while dribbling, passing, or shooting. It is a crucial skill in basketball and is essential for players to be able to move the ball around the court effectively.

Origin

The origin of ballhandling can be traced back to the early days of basketball. The game was invented in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, who was looking for a way to keep his students active during the winter months. The first basketballs were made of leather and were difficult to handle, so players had to develop their ballhandling skills to be successful.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, ballhandling is defined as “the skill of controlling a ball with the hands, especially in basketball.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the ability to handle a ball effectively, especially in basketball.”

Associations

Ballhandling is associated with basketball and is a fundamental skill that every player must possess. It is also associated with dribbling, passing, and shooting, which are all essential components of the game.

Synonyms

Some synonyms of ballhandling include dribbling, passing, shooting, control, and manipulation.

Antonyms

Some antonyms of ballhandling include fumbling, mishandling, and losing control.

The same root words

There are no root words for ballhandling as it is a compound word made up of “ball” and “handling.”

Example Sentences

1. His ballhandling skills are exceptional, and he can dribble past defenders with ease.
2. She has been working on her ballhandling all summer and has improved significantly.
3. The coach emphasizes the importance of ballhandling in every practice.
4. His poor ballhandling led to a turnover and cost his team the game.
5. The player’s ballhandling and passing ability make him a valuable asset to the team.