In the world of sports, there are many terms and phrases that are specific to each sport. One such term in football (soccer) is the “back pass”. This term is used to describe a specific type of pass that is made from a player to their own goalkeeper. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and examples of back pass.
Definitions
A back pass is a type of pass made in football where a player passes the ball to their own goalkeeper. This is typically done when the player is under pressure from the opposing team and needs to get rid of the ball quickly. The goalkeeper is allowed to pick up the ball with their hands, but only if the ball has been played back to them by a teammate. If the ball is played back to the goalkeeper by an opposing player, they are not allowed to pick it up with their hands.
Origin
The back pass rule was introduced in 1992 by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to discourage time-wasting tactics by teams. Before this rule was introduced, players would often pass the ball back to their goalkeeper, who would then pick it up with their hands and waste time by holding onto the ball. The back pass rule was designed to prevent this from happening and to encourage more attacking play.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a back pass is “a pass made by a player to their own goalkeeper”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a back pass as “a pass made by a player to a teammate who is behind them”. The Cambridge Dictionary defines a back pass as “a pass made by a player to their own goalkeeper, especially when they are under pressure from the other team”.
Associations
The back pass is often associated with defensive play in football. It is a way for teams to relieve pressure when they are under attack from the opposing team. The back pass is also associated with the goalkeeper position, as they are the only player on the field who is allowed to pick up the ball with their hands.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for back pass include:
- Pass back.
- Reverse pass.
- Retreat pass.
- Backward pass.
- Negative pass.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for back pass include:
- Forward pass.
- Through pass.
- Long pass.
- Cross.
The same root words
There are no specific root words for back pass, but the word “pass” comes from the Latin word “passus”, which means “step”.
Example Sentences
- The defender made a back pass to the goalkeeper to relieve the pressure from the opposing team.
- The goalkeeper picked up the ball after a back pass from his teammate.
- The coach instructed the players to avoid making back passes and to focus on attacking play.
- The referee blew the whistle for a free kick after the opposing player made a back pass to their goalkeeper.
- The team’s strategy was to make quick back passes to the goalkeeper and then launch a counter-attack.