play-action pass

noun play-ac·tion pass

Definition of play-action pass

: a pass play in football in which the quarterback fakes a handoff before passing the ball — called also play-action

See play-action pass defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of play-action pass from the Web

That could open up play-action passes against the linebackers and secondary.

— jeff potrykus, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Northwestern at UW: Game preview, prediction," 29 Sep. 2017
The Falcons run lots of stretch zone plays on offense, and are very effective with the play-action pass.

— dave birkett, Detroit Free Press, "Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons: Replacing Jarrad Davis key to upset," 23 Sep. 2017
And eventually, the Bears will unlock the full potential of their play-action passing game by exploiting Trubisky's ability to run and throw.

— dan wiederer, chicagotribune.com, "How do Bears' positives and negatives in Week 1 loss measure up?," 12 Sep. 2017
In Ohio State's only other loss this year, 31-16 to Oklahoma in September, the Buckeyes defense was done in by falling victim to a deadly play-action passing attack.

— doug lesmerises, cleveland.com, "Ohio State's disastrous loss shows bad decisions, poor coaching, old problems: Podcast," 5 Nov. 2017
Mike Shula called more deep throws for Newton, but probably could have mixed in a few more play-action passes.

— joseph person, charlotteobserver, "Carolina Panthers report card vs. Bucs: Defense making A’s a habit | Charlotte Observer," 29 Oct. 2017
Conrad dropped his only target, the first pass of the game, and Greg Hart couldn’t come down with that controversial play-action pass on third-and-1 in the second quarter.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "Report Card: Grading Kentucky football's performance in loss at Mississippi State," 21 Oct. 2017
Saban said Alabama missed some play-action passes with WRs over.

— michael casagrande, AL.com, "What Nick Saban said after Alabama beat Arkansas, 41-9," 14 Oct. 2017
Kentucky then was forced to punt after Johnson just missed tight end Greg Hard on a deep play-action pass on third-and-1 from UK's own 27-yard line.

— jon hale, The Courier-Journal, "Kentucky football blown out 45-7 at Mississippi State," 21 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'play-action pass.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.