free ball

[ free bawl ]

noun

1. a ball that is in play and is not in the possession of or under the control of any player.
2. Volleyball. a ball that is returned over the net with a bump or pass rather than a spike.
3. a penalty shot in snooker in which the player may choose any ball as their target, or the ball chosen for this shot.

verb (used without object)

, Slang: Vulgar.

1. to wear pants, shorts, a skirt, etc., with no underwear: originally in reference to a person's testicles not being secured by an undergarment.
2. to attempt or execute a task without preparation, guidance, etc.; improvise:

   I didn't stick too close to the deck plans, I'm kind of just freeballing and taking ideas from other builds.

   I have no idea what to write, so I'll just free ball for a few paragraphs.

verb (used with object)

, Slang: Vulgar.

1. to attempt or execute (a task) without preparation, guidance, etc.; improvise:

   I wish I was creative enough to freeball my own LEGO designs.

   The elevator was broken, so we had to free ball getting the desk down three flights of narrow stairs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of free ball¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Santiago Moreno played an entry pass that was deflected high in the air by a defender and Rodríguez — while LAFC’s nearest player, Eduard Atuesta, appeared unaware of the its location — won the free ball a ripped a low shot from the top of the area inside the post to make it 2-1.

From Seattle Times

In the 50th, Neto beat Lockyer in a foot race to a free ball, cut in on his left and shot it past Thomas Kaminski.

From Washington Times

A tense finish saw Trump make a 58 but then foul and leave a free ball with Day chasing snookers.

From BBC

“Everybody’s playing free,” Ball said.

From New York Times

The fifth frame may later prove a crucial one, with Englishman Hawkins making 60 but fouling the green with his sleeve, leaving Robertson a free ball and allowing him to pinch it with a clearance from the final red.

From BBC