weak side

noun

|Updated on: 16 Aug 2018

Definition of weak side

1 : the side of a football formation having the smaller number of players; specifically : the side of a formation away from the tight end

2 : the side of a court or field (as in basketball or soccer) away from the ball

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weakside

play \ˈwēk-ˌsīd\ adjective

Recent Examples of weak side from the Web

The Saints linebacker corps already has depth on the weak side and in the middle, but Burks could add some depth on the strong side with his cover skills and closing speed.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "New Orleans Saints final 2018 mock draft: Bulking up on defense," 24 Apr. 2018
After identifying how his teammates were playing the possession, Ledbetter, who played the weak side, abandoned his assignment, came over to help, jumped in the air and intercepted the read Dorsey was making — a lob-like pass.

— jabari young, San Antonio Express-News, "Ledbetter staying true to his formula with Spurs Summer League team," 4 July 2018
In Saleh’s scheme, that often means aligning on the weak side.

— andy benoit, SI.com, "In San Francisco, the NFL’s Next Great Defensive Force Emerges," 22 June 2018
The Iranians still have a hope, with one win and one loss, but face an uphill battle to get a result against Portugal while the Spaniards get to face the group’s weakest side, winless Morocco.

— andrew beaton, WSJ, "Spain Overcomes Iran’s Stubborn Defense in the World Cup," 20 June 2018
But isolateral work, which addresses one side of the body at a time, prevents your strong side from aiding the weak side.

— sara angle, Outside Online, "The Best Glutes Exercises," 19 June 2018
Ovechkin scored the second Washington goal of the night from his customary slot lurking on the weak side on the power play in the second period.

— adam candee, Detroit Free Press, "2018 NHL Stanley Cup finals: Capitals win! Game 5 observations," 8 June 2018
Robertson is the top backup on the weak side, but perhaps Davis can handle that role if injuries start to impact the group.

— josh katzenstein, NOLA.com, "Saints testing linebacker Demario Davis' versatility this offseason," 30 May 2018
Oladipo off the ball The Pacers’ All-Star was mostly stationary in Game 5, playing on the weak side and not doing much of anything.

— j. michael falgoust, Indianapolis Star, "Pacers vs. Cavs: 3 things to watch, including how to free Victor Oladipo," 27 Apr. 2018

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

First Known Use of weak side

1940

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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weak side

Definition of weak side

weakside

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