Definition

1. Verb:
   • To cover or guard with two defensive players: In sports, especially basketball and American football, to use two players to defend against a single opponent, typically to apply greater pressure or prevent them from advancing or scoring.

Usage

• This verb is primarily used in the context of team sports strategy. It describes a specific defensive tactic.
• It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (the player being defended against by two opponents).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The coach instructed them to double-team the opponent's star player.
  • We need to double-team their best receiver to prevent a touchdown.
  • They successfully double-teamed the center, forcing a turnover.

Advanced Usage

• Strategic Imperative: The term can imply a necessary or reactive strategy.
  • When he started scoring easily, we had no choice but to double-team him.
• Metaphorical Extension: Informally, it can be used outside of sports to describe two people focusing their efforts on one person or task.
  • My colleagues double-teamed me with questions during the meeting.

Variants and Related Words

• Double team (noun): The act or instance of using this defensive strategy.
  • The double team on the quarterback was effective.
• Double coverage (noun, primarily football): A similar defensive strategy, often used in pass coverage.

Synonyms

• Double cover: To guard with two defenders.
• Trap: In some contexts, to use two defenders to confine an opponent, especially in basketball.

Related Phrases

• To send a double team: To initiate this defensive action.
  • They decided to send a double team from the weak side.

Verb

1. cover with two defensive players