dribble
DRIB-ul
/ˈdrɪbəl/
To move the ball along by a series of short kicks or bounces.
Dribbling requires high individual skill and 'ball control' to keep the ball away from defenders while moving.
The story behind the word. From the Middle English 'driben,' a frequentative form of 'drip.' It originally meant to let something fall in small drops, which perfectly describes the small, repeated touches of a ball.
Word relationships
- carry: In some sports, 'carrying' the ball is a specific (and sometimes illegal) way of moving it; dribbling is the standard term.
- pass: Passing is giving the ball to a teammate; dribbling is keeping it yourself.
Commonly confused with
- drivel: Drivel is nonsense talk; dribble is moving a ball (or saliva).
Word family
- dribbler (noun): A player who is skilled at dribbling.
Collocations
- dribble past
- double dribble
- dribbling skills
- controlled dribble
Example sentences
- "I don't dribble for the sake of dribbling; I do it to create space." Soccer quote
- "He can dribble through a phone booth, his control is that tight." Basketball
Memory hook
Dribbling the ball is like a 'drip' of water—small, constant movements. Small touches, big moves.
When not to use
In basketball, you must dribble to move; in soccer, you dribble to beat an opponent or gain ground.
Fun facts
- In the early days of basketball, players weren't allowed to dribble at all; they had to stay in one spot and pass the ball.
Related words
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