ball up

1. Confuse or bungle, as in Jane got all balled up at the beginning of her speech , or Henry really balled up that exam . This term may come from the fact that when a horse is driven over soft or partly thawed snow, the snow becomes packed into icy balls on its hoofs, making it stumble. Another theory is that it alludes to the vulgar term balls for testicles. [First half of 1900s]

2. Roll something into a ball, as in She loved to knit and was always balling up her yarn . [Early 1800s]

Example Sentences

Martinez had tapped a goal-kick to Mings inside the penalty area but the former Ipswich defender simply picked the ball up.

From BBC

With two outs, Betts hit a soft ground ball up the first base line.

From Los Angeles Times

I was able to foul it off and see another pitch, and thankfully I hit the ball up the middle.”

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve got to be better, when I know I’m in traffic, when I know I’m getting wrapped up and I’m still trying to get more yards, to wrap the ball up,” Williams said.

From Los Angeles Times

Solanke was selfless, giving Spurs an extra dimension as a more orthodox central striker able to hold the ball up, use his physical capabilities, and bring his colleagues into play.

From BBC