Nonsense! Hit the ball to one side (6)

I believe the answer is:

drivel

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'nonsense' is the definition.
(drivel can mean nonsensical speech or writing)

'hit the ball to one side' is the wordplay.
'hit the ball' becomes 'drive' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'to one side' becomes 'l' (abbreviation for left).
'drive'+'l'='DRIVEL'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for drivel that I've seen before include "Worthless, foolish nonsense" , "Silly talk, twaddle" , "Tosh" , "Cobblers" , "Worthless talk" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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