Definition

Noun: 1. A football play involving a forward throw: In American football, a "passing play" is a pre-planned or called offensive action where the primary design is for the quarterback (or another eligible player) to throw the football forward to an eligible receiver downfield, with the intent of gaining yardage or scoring.

Usage

• The term is used to describe a specific type of play call in an offensive strategy, contrasting with a "running play."
• It is commonly discussed in game analysis, coaching, and play-by-play commentary.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "Called a passing play": Refers to the coach or quarterback selecting this type of play from the playbook for the upcoming down.
  • Facing a strong defensive line, the coordinator called a passing play to exploit the secondary.
• "Execute a passing play": Describes the team successfully running the designed play.
  • The offense failed to execute the passing play due to the defensive pressure.

Variants and Related Words

• Pass (n/verb): The act of throwing the ball, or the thrown ball itself. A "passing play" is designed to result in a pass.
  • He completed a 20-yard pass on that play.
• Play-action pass (n): A specific type of passing play that uses a fake handoff to draw the defense toward the line before the pass is thrown.
• Running play (n): The contrasting type of offensive play where the ball is advanced by a player carrying it, not throwing it.

Synonyms

• Pass play: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.
• Forward pass play: A more descriptive term emphasizing the forward direction of the throw, which is a rule in American football.

Related Phrases

• Drop back to pass: The action of the quarterback moving backward from the line of scrimmage to set up for a throw, a key part of most passing plays.
  • The quarterback dropped back to pass but was sacked immediately.
• Pass protection: The blocking by offensive linemen and backs to protect the quarterback during a passing play.
  • Good pass protection is essential for long-developing passing plays.

Noun

1. (American football) a play that involves one player throwing the ball to a teammate
   • the coach sent in a passing play on third and long