loose ball
Plural
loose balls
1
an uncontrolled ball available for any player to pick it up
A loose ball refers to a ball that is not being controlled by any player during a game, often after a pass, a miss, or a challenge for possession. It is available for any player to gain control of, and players typically try to quickly grab or kick the ball to gain possession for their team. Loose balls can create chances or lead to turnovers depending on which team reacts faster to it.
- He dove for the loose ball to gain possession for his team.
- The game intensified as players scrambled for the loose ball.
- She quickly grabbed the loose ball and passed it to her teammate.
- The defender snatched the loose ball and started a fast break.
- The loose ball bounced unpredictably, creating chaos among the players.