The phrase "having something the ball" implies possession, control, or advantage over a situation. Antonyms for this phrase could include "losing the ball," "lacking the ball," or "giving up the ball." These phrases convey a sense of powerlessness, disadvantage, or surrender. Other antonyms could be "sharing the ball," "collaborating on the ball," or "dividing the ball," which denote an equal distribution of control or a cooperative approach. The phrase "not having the ball" could also convey a sense of neutrality or objectivity, indicating that an individual is not directly involved in a particular situation but is still observing it with a clear perspective.