Even while sports are full of fierce rivalry, amazing athleticism, and memorable triumphs, ball boys and girls are sometimes the unsung heroes that steal the show. When things go comically wrong, the consequences are golden gold. These nimble teenagers and young adults are supposed to keep the game operating smoothly.

There are several instances where ball boys and girls have unintentionally outperformed the pros on soccer grounds and tennis courts. Their accidents make both players and spectators laugh, whether it’s tripping over the ball, rushing in the opposite way, or stopping a play at the most embarrassing time. Commentators and spectators erupted in amusement when they saw a famous video of a little tennis ball girl collapsing during a match and then being taken out by a player.

These instances have become even more popular thanks to social media. Videos of ball boys or girls sneaking food, photobombing sportsmen, or even inadvertently stopping a goal are insatiable to fans. Their lightning-fast responses can go horribly wrong, but the unexpected humor never lets you down.

Sports are as much about the unexpected as they are about talent and strategy, as these humorous instances provide as a reminder to everyone. The ball boys and girls offer impromptu, comical shocks that enhance the game’s memorability, while athletes spend years honing their skills. In athletics, after all, often the biggest laughs come from the smallest errors.