(sports) To attack an opponent instead of attacking the ball, which is usually being controlled by the attacked player at the time.

Alternative form of play the ball and not the man

Alternative form of play the ball and not the man

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of play the ball not the man

simple past tense and past participle of play the ball not the man

present participle of play the ball not the man

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of play the ball, not the man

(sports) To attack the ball instead of an opponent who is usually controlling the ball. Often considered a positive action, and sometimes a requirement not to concede a penalty.

present participle of play the ball, not the man

present participle of play the man and not the ball