Make a line stretch and follow a ball

Question

Hi, I have an oval ball that I have animated to move from point A to point B along a curvilinear path. The anchor point is at the bottom of the oval.
This ball has a string attached to the top. As the ball moves, I would like the string to move along (touching the top) with the ball, and the extended string should take on the shape of the path along which it is being pulled by the ball while remaining stationary at the top.
Is this possible? a full solution with an explanation would be most helpful. Still, I understand if people have time constraints, in which case, pointers to the technique, any tutorials would be most appreciated.
Many thanks for considering my request.
I am using the latest after effects version 24.2.1

Rick Gerard · Answer

You can use a shape layer path as a motion path and add Trim Paths to the shape layer Path to get it to follow the ball. It may take a few keyframes.

You can also attach nulls to a path with the Create Nulls from Paths script available in the window menu, then shift + parent a null to the ball. This will make one end of the path stick to the ball no matter where it moves.

If you can show us a screenshot by dragging it to the reply field instead of using the "Drag & drop here..." area that shows your entire UI with the path showing, and the animated properties of the layers, we can point you to an efficient workflow.

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