Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Dribbling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🏀
Add to dictionary

dribbling

[ˈdrɪblɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

sports activity

Dribbling refers to the act of bouncing a ball continuously while moving in a particular direction. This technique is commonly used in sports such as basketball and soccer to maintain possession of the ball while navigating around opponents.

Synonyms

bouncing, paddling, swaying.

Examples of usage

  • He is dribbling the ball beautifully down the court.
  • The player is dribbling past defenders with ease.
  • She practices her dribbling skills daily.
  • The coach emphasized the importance of dribbling in the game.
Context #2 | Noun

sports technique

Dribbling is a technique in which a player uses their hands or feet to control and maneuver a ball. It's crucial in various team sports, enabling players to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities.

Synonyms

control, guiding, maneuvering.

Examples of usage

  • His dribbling skills are unmatched on the team.
  • The soccer player's dribbling left the defenders confused.
  • Dribbling is essential for maintaining possession in basketball.
  • The seminar focused on advanced dribbling techniques.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • In basketball, dribbling is essential because players can only take two steps without dribbling.
  • Great dribblers, like basketball star Allen Iverson, are known for their ability to move unpredictably while controlling the ball.
  • In soccer, dribbling is a vital skill that allows players to maintain possession while maneuvering past opponents.

Psychology

  • Dribbling requires hand-eye coordination, a skill that develops as children learn to control their movements.
  • Playing sports like basketball can boost self-esteem and help improve teamwork and social skills.
  • Studies suggest that engaging in physical activities like dribbling can enhance cognitive functions and concentration.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Space Jam' highlight famous athletes dribbling a basketball in exciting and humorous ways.
  • Video games like 'NBA 2K' allow players to practice dribbling skills in a virtual environment, fostering love for the sport.
  • Dribbling competitions, such as freestyle soccer dribbling, are gaining popularity on social media, showcasing impressive skills.

Education

  • Dribbling can be a fun way to develop math skills, such as counting bounces or calculating angles when shooting.
  • In physical education classes, dribbling drills help improve students' motor skills and physical fitness.
  • Schools often incorporate dribbling exercises to teach cooperation and teamwork in sports.

Origin of 'dribbling'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'dribble' comes from the Old English word 'dribbelan', which means to fall in drops.
  • Initially, the term referred to any liquid flowing slowly, long before it related to sports.
  • Its first recorded use in the context of sports appeared in the late 19th century.

The term 'dribbling' originated in the early 20th century, arising from the sport of basketball. It is derived from the word 'dribble,' which is a verb meaning to let liquid fall in drops. In sports contexts, it reflects the act of letting the ball bounce while on the move. The concept became popular as basketball evolved, and players needed effective techniques to handle the ball while avoiding defenders. As sports, including soccer and hockey, adopted similar skills that required players to maintain control of the ball or puck, the term 'dribbling' expanded to encompass these actions. The technique of dribbling has since become one of the fundamental skills taught in various sports education programs, contributing to its recognized importance in gameplay and strategy.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,775, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.