The spelling of the word "short ball" can be broken down phonetically as /ʃɔrt bɔl/. The first syllable "short" is pronounced with the "sh" sound followed by the "or" sound and the "t" sound. The second syllable "ball" is pronounced with the "b" sound followed by the "o" sound and ending with the "l" sound. The term "short ball" is widely used in sports such as cricket and tennis to describe a delivery that bounces closer to the batter or player.
The term "short ball" primarily refers to a delivery or shot in various ball sports, such as cricket or tennis, where the ball is aimed at a height shorter than usual. In cricket, the short ball is a type of delivery generally bowled by a fast bowler, aiming to pitch the ball at a shorter distance, usually around chest height, making it difficult for the batsman to play defensive shots comfortably. The objective of a short ball in cricket is to unsettle the batsman's rhythm and potentially induce a mistimed shot or wicket. It is a strategic tactic often employed to intimidate aggressive or skilled batsmen.
Similarly, in tennis, a short ball is a shot typically hit with less power or depth, resulting in the ball landing closer to the net, rather than towards the baseline. A short ball in tennis provides an opportunity for the opponent to attack and potentially take control of the point, as hitting an aggressive shot from a closer proximity to the net offers increased offensive possibilities.
In summary, whether in cricket or tennis, a short ball refers to a delivery or shot that deviates from the usual trajectory, pitching at a shorter distance or height. Its purpose may vary, from unsettling a batsman's rhythm to providing an opening for an attacking shot in tennis.
The term "short ball" is commonly used in sports such as tennis and cricket to refer to a delivery that is intentionally bowled or hit shorter than the usual length. The etymology of the term can be traced back to the early 19th century.In cricket, the term "short-pitched ball" was initially used to describe a delivery that was bowled closer to the batsman, causing the ball to bounce at a higher point than expected. The purpose of such delivery was to surprise or intimidate the batsman. Over time, the term was shortened to "short ball" as it became a more established part of cricket terminology.Similarly, in tennis, a "short ball" refers to a shot that does not reach deep into the opponent's court, thus giving the opponent an opportunity to hit an aggressive shot. The idea behind hitting a short ball in tennis is to force the opponent to move forward and put them at a disadvantage.