Small Ball
Scoring runs through short, controlled plays
Example
Related Slang
| Baltimore chop | Baseball hit that takes a large hop over an infielder |
| Grounder | A baseball hit on the ground |
| Line drive | Hard hit baseball in the air |
| Frozen rope | Line drive baseball hit |
| Lumber | Baseball bat |
| Mash | To hit a baseball well |
| Rope | Line drive baseball hit |
| RBI | Runs batted in |
| R | Runs |
| Millennial baseball | A baseball strategy of swinging for home runs instead of base hits |
Categories
Fast, versatile, perimeter-focused basketball strategy
In basketball, "small ball" describes a fast, flexible style of play that prioritizes speed, spacing, and shooting over size and traditional positions. Instead of relying on tall, dominant post players, teams using small ball often put quicker, more versatile players on the court who can switch defensively, shoot from outside, and push the pace. The term became widely popular in the 2010s, especially as analytics-driven strategies began to influence the game and teams sought ways to maximize spacing and efficiency.
Coaches, analysts, players, and fans may use the phrase when discussing modern NBA-style offenses that stretch the floor and rely on three-point shooting and quick transitions. Small ball is often associated with innovation and adaptability, though it can also be a point of contention when teams give up size for speed.
Example
Related Slang
| Bucket | A made basketball shot |
| Dropping dimes | Making difficult passes for assists in basketball |
| Handles | The ability to handle a basketball |
| Ethical hooper | A basketball player who relies on pure skill to dominate |
| Hooper | A skilled basketball player |
| Hoops | Basketball |
| Rock | A basketball |
| Splash | A made shot that only touches the basketball net |
| Swish | A made shot in basketball that hits only the net |
| NBA | National Basketball Association |
Take the pop culture acronym challenge
In baseball, "small ball" is a slang term for a strategy focused on manufacturing runs through short, controlled plays rather than relying on big hits like home runs. Teams playing small ball use tactics such as bunting, stealing bases, hit-and-runs, and moving runners along one base at a time.
The term has been part of baseball vocabulary for decades, especially gaining attention in the mid-20th century when teams emphasized fundamentals, speed, and situational hitting. It wasn't coined by a single person but grew naturally from coaching language and game analysis. Today, players, coaches, broadcasters, and fans commonly use "small ball" to describe a disciplined, tactical approach to offense, often mentioned when a team is grinding out runs against tough pitching or playing in low-scoring games.