Ball-handling or Ball handling

I seem to see this one used both ways.

 

I prefer fondling

 

Del: You play with your balls a lot.
Neal: I do NOT play with my balls.
Del: Larry Bird doesn't do as much ball-handling in one night as you do in an hour!
Neal: Are you trying to start a fight?
Del: No. I'm simply stating a fact. That's all. You fidget with your nuts a lot.
Neal: You know what'd make me happy?
Del: Another couple of balls, and an extra set of fingers?

 

Does it really matter?

Who really gives a shit if it's ball-handling or ball handling. Just go with your gut instinct and wait while your newspaper figures out a folding date.

 

I figured someone here would catch feelings over my very intrusive question.

 

giggity!!!!

 

ballhandling

 

As always, hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.

So, "Mary Jane Rottencrotch's ballhandling has really improved," coach Mustache McPervy said.


But, "Kristie Jean Twatwaffle needs to work on her ball-handling skills," senior guard Dave Dong said. "She forgets to mind the stepchildren."

 

Best use-it-in-context example ever.

 

sports styleguide, my second bible after AP, is ball-handling, so I stick with that.

 

Great, funny examples, but it does raise an important point. Whatever form of the word you use, never -- EVER -- use the term "ball handling" or "ball handling skills" in a story about a female athlete.