passing game
noun
variants
or less commonly pass game
plural passing games also pass games
sports
: offensive play involving the transfer of a ball or puck between teammates
It's a smooth passing game that involves … working the ball on the perimeter inside the three-point arc.—Bill Dickens
His new attack emphasizes a deliberate passing game, an idea that counters a common tendency among high school soccer players to quickly boot the ball as far as they can upfield.—John Coon
often, specifically, American football
: offensive play in which the football is thrown to a player who attempts to catch the ball and move toward the end zone to score
He's also been a threat in the passing game, catching 24 balls for 160 yards and two touchdowns. —Angelo Feliberty
Their passing game is what gave the Falcons the fifth-ranked offense in the NFL, and they needed every bit of production they could get … because their once-potent running game took a big step backward. —Kevin Noonan
San Diego's offense is predicated on a short passing game and making yards after the catch. —Bob Condotta
compare running game
Cite this Entry
“Passing game.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/passing%20game. Accessed 5 Oct. 2026.
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