Ball Boy Tactics – Series Review & Episode Guide

Jiwon is a former gymnast who recently retired. At his peak, he became famous for winning a gold medal. After an injury, Jiwon could have waited to heal and still compete. His coach certainly expected him to stay. However, Jiwon chose to leave the sport for good. He begins an ordinary life as a university student. Jiwon studies photography, one of his favourite hobbies. Unlike gymnastics, a photo can still turn out beautiful even when it isn't perfect.

Due to his fame, Jiwon still gets recognized on campus. On his first day, someone photographed him and posted it on social media as gossip. He also receives gifts from classmates who admire him. However, Jiwon dislikes the attention. He's nervous, painfully shy, and tries to stay out of the spotlight as much as possible. You'll find him in either a baseball cap or a hoodie low over his head, because he wants to hide and make himself look smaller.

Even the staff members take an interest in Jiwon, and one of the school's coaches asks to meet him. While searching for directions, Jiwon wanders onto the basketball court by mistake. There, he sees Jeongwu practicing alone. Jeongwu plays collegiate basketball and already has a strong reputation. He's handsome and popular, so many fans attend his games simply to watch him play. Jeongwu carries himself with incredible confidence and clearly enjoys the attention. During interviews, he accepts the praise with a smirk.

That night, Jiwon had dinner with his photography classmates, who pressured him to drink too much. He wanders back to his car while still tipsy. Jeongwu happens to be nearby and notices him. In his drunken state, Jiwon finally finds the courage to greet him. He makes a bold request and tells Jeongwu to drive him home. Jeongwu is stunned, since they aren't close at all. He still agrees and brings Jiwon home safely. Once they arrive, Jiwon regains clarity and feels deeply embarrassed by the way he acted around Jeongwu.

Jiwon and Jeongwu meet again at school when they end up in the same elective class. Since they already know each other, Jeongwu introduces Jiwon to his friends and basketball teammates, Seungjin and Eunoh. Seungjin is a big fan of Jiwon and quickly takes the seat beside him. Eunoh also mentions that he and Jiwon were classmates in elementary school. As Seungjin and Eunoh welcome Jiwon into their group, Jeongwu grows closer to him as well. The four athletes start hanging out together.

Ball Boy Tactics seemed promising from the beginning. While it's hard to make me care about sports, I'm quickly drawn to this sweet love story between two athletes. I adore the first episode, which has a compelling introduction. As the series unfolds, it continues to impress me. The writing is sharp, the sexual tension is juicy, and the polished visuals create a romantic atmosphere. Whether the couple is flirting covertly or fighting their obvious feelings for each other, I'm excited to see how their relationship grows!

Jiwon is a shy protagonist who suffers from nerves and anxieties. Sometimes, his social awkwardness creates a few comedic moments, and his flustered reactions are endearing. Jeongwu teases him enough to be playful, yet he never acts like a jerk. While this hotshot athlete can be cocky, the series does a great job of making his character likable. Jeungwu is so charming that his confidence feels sexy. Some scenes also reveal his softer side. He seems thoughtful in conversations and offers reassurance when Jiwon needs it. This handsome lead becomes even more attractive because of his kind personality.

Jeongwu is so dreamy. I'd gladly transform myself into a basketball just to let him handle me. 😌 He had me under his spell from the first scene, where I noticed the swagger, the smirk, the piercing gaze, and the veins in his biceps. His demeanour screams natural confidence, like when he seems unfazed about his bisexuality, and that's hot as hell. Jeongwu's actor (Choi Jae Hyeok) is a perfect casting choice. He brings so much charisma to his role that the story never needs to explain why Jiwon falls for him. One look into his expressive eyes? He can mesmerize anybody.

Early on, the series teases Jiwon and Jeongwu's sexual tension episode after episode. It builds enough momentum for their first kiss to feel iconic. "I feel like I'm melting," Jiwon says after the moment. What a wonderful way to describe the sensation! The couple's physical affection is superb, so their chemistry should please many BL fans. I also adore the side couple, even if their underdeveloped romance stays in the background. Seungjin and Eunoh are charming supporting characters who add plenty of humour to the story. I'd love to see a sequel with them, please!

Regrettably, the second half of the series isn't as compelling. Jiwon feels uneasy about having a high-profile romance with another man. His concerns are valid, and I sympathize with him. That said, the storyline becomes exhausting after a while. I want to see the couple enjoy their time together, yet Jiwon's insecurities ruin the relationship moments. Near the end, my patience wears thin. "What now!?" I snapped at the screen as Jiwon whined again. He seems so tormented about dating Jeongwu. Why can't he just relax and let himself be happy with his hot boyfriend!?

In the end, Jiwon gains confidence in himself. I would've appreciated his character growth more if he hadn't annoyed me so much in the last few episodes. Nonetheless, all is forgiven after the finale. During a lengthy sex scene, the series has no shame in milking every ounce of passion from the leads. They know what the BL fans want to see! The couple almost loses me in the final stretch, but I end up liking their relationship again. Overall, I've enjoyed Ball Boy Tactics. It raises the bar for other Korean BL dramas, and I hope we get more love stories of this calibre.