play the angles

(idiomatic) To seek ways to advance one's self-interest, especially by making choices in a calculating or crafty manner; to scheme.

(sports, of a defensive player or goaltender) In a game which involves control of a moving object, such as a ball or puck, to allow for angular movements of the object caused by bounces, rebounds, ricochets, etc. or to carefully guard the corners of the goal, net, or other scoring target.

(sports, of an offensive player) In a game which involves control of a moving object, such as a ball or puck, to seek scoring opportunities by advancing on or shooting at the scoring target in an angular manner across the field of play.