# dribbling

/ˈdɹɪbəɫɪŋ/ (US) · /dɹˈɪblɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dribbling
Updated: 2026-05-19

## Definition

the act of moving a ball with small, quick touches to keep it away from other players. You do this in sports like soccer or basketball to get closer to the goal.

For teachers: the act of propelling a ball with small, quick touches to maintain possession and advance toward a target. Often used in the context of team sports to describe a player's ability to maneuver through defensive pressure.

## Examples

- The player used clever dribbling to reach the center of the field.
- His exceptional dribbling skills allowed him to break through the tight defense and score a goal.
- The coach emphasized that while physical strength is important, the ability to maintain control during high-speed dribbling is what separates a good player from a great one.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.