To divert (attention, etc.).
To touch the ball, often unwittingly, after a shot or a sharp pass, thereby making it unpredictable for the other players.
To make (something) deviate from its original path.
To avoid addressing (questions, criticism, etc.).
To deviate from its original path.
To keep up; to preserve; to uphold (a state, condition etc.).
To declare or affirm (a clause) to be true; to assert.