Coaches always tell their defenders to play the ball not the man to avoid unnecessary fouls.

As a coach, I always tell my players to play the ball, not the man when contesting headers.

During the final, the defender cleanly played the ball, not the man, and the crowd applauded his sportsmanship.

He always plays the ball not the man when defending, which earns him respect from teammates.

After reviewing the clip, the referee concluded the defender played the ball not the man, so no foul was given.

By playing the ball not the man, she avoided a yellow card.

By playing the ball, not the man, she avoided a personal foul.

If a defender plays the ball, not the man, the referee will not call a foul.