Pronunciation: [lˈɒŋ bˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the phrase "long ball" is fairly straightforward, as it is simply a combination of the words "long" and "ball." However, the pronunciation may vary depending on accent and dialect. Using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols, the pronunciation of "long ball" could be transcribed as /lɔŋ bɔl/ or /lɑŋ bɑl/ depending on whether the speaker uses the "ah" or "aw" vowel sound in "long" and "ball."
Long ball is a term predominantly used in sports, particularly in soccer and baseball, to describe a strategic playing style characterized by the extensive usage of long passes or hits to advance the ball towards the opposing team's territory or goal.
In soccer, long ball refers to a tactic wherein teams rely on powerful and precise long passes from their own half, bypassing the midfield, to reach forward players positioned closer to the opposition's goal. Employing the long ball strategy often aims to exploit defensive weaknesses, catch opponents off guard, and create scoring opportunities. This strategy frequently emphasizes physicality, speed, and aerial prowess, as players reach the ball in the air or flick it on to advancing teammates.
Similarly, in baseball, long ball signifies a style of play that heavily relies on strong hitters aiming for home runs rather than focus on shorter, more precise hits. Hitters employing the long ball approach often emphasize power and distance in their swings, aiming to hit the ball deep into the outfield beyond the reach of fielders, potentially allowing the batter or runners on base to score multiple runs at once.
Overall, "long ball" refers to a deliberate strategy that prioritizes long distance passes or hits as a means to gain territorial advantage or score points in sports such as soccer and baseball.
The term "long ball" originated in the game of soccer (football). Its etymology can be traced back to the early 1900s in Britain. The phrase "long ball" refers to a playing strategy where players aim to pass or kick the ball over long distances, typically to bypass the opposition's defense and quickly advance towards the opponent's goal. This tactic involves launching the ball into the air with a powerful kick, usually by the goalkeeper or a defender, in the hopes that a teammate further up the field can gain possession of the ball and create a scoring opportunity. The term "long ball" became popularized in British soccer and eventually gained usage in other sports as well, particularly in baseball, where it refers to a powerful hit that results in a long-distance home run.
