ball handler
noun
: a player who controls the ball in any of various games
especially
: a player who is skilled at handling the ball (as in basketball)
Examples of ball handler in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Once a target that opposing teams would try to attack with their primary ball handlers (a tactic teams often employ to get great shooters off the floor), Beasley is now tasked with guarding premier scorers by design.
—
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The Huskies have struggled with their defense at the point of attack, allowing ball handlers to get in the lane and either draw fouls or score inside.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, the team’s primary ball handlers, combined for 11 turnovers and just eight assists.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
So today’s players are faster, better ball handlers, and better shooters.
—Susan M. Shaw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ball handler
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Mat Issa, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
The Huskies have struggled with their defense at the point of attack, allowing ball handlers to get in the lane and either draw fouls or score inside.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 18 Mar. 2025
DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine and Malik Monk, the team’s primary ball handlers, combined for 11 turnovers and just eight assists.
—Chris Biderman, Sacramento Bee, 15 Mar. 2025
So today’s players are faster, better ball handlers, and better shooters.
—Susan M. Shaw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ball handler
Cite this Entry
“Ball handler.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ball%20handler. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share