What term is used for intentionally striking the ball with the arm or hand?

The correct term for intentionally striking the ball with the arm or hand in football is "batting." This term specifically refers to a deliberate action where a player uses their hand or arm to hit the ball, which is a clear distinction from other actions like pushing or fumbling. Batting often relates to rules concerning the control of the ball and can have specific implications depending on the context of the play, particularly when considering player positioning and intentions on the field.

Pushing generally refers to using the body to forcefully move an opponent or an object and does not pertain to the ball being hit intentionally. Bumping usually describes a light contact with another player and does not involve direct action with the ball itself. Fumbling denotes the unintentional loss of possession, where the ball is dropped or mishandled, rather than an intentional act of striking it. Therefore, the use of “batting” captures the specific nature of intentionally striking the ball and is aligned with the NFHS rules regarding ball handling and player actions.