Used when someone fails to meet what is expected of them.

Expectation Failure

Refers to missing a personal responsibility or specific task.

Task Responsibility

Originates from when a player accidentally drops a ball in sports, leading to a mistake.

Often about small but important details that were not taken care of.

Involves a lapse in attention that results in failure.

It's metaphorical; no actual ball involved when using the phrase in most contexts.