backdoor play

noun

, Basketball.

1. an offensive tactic whereby a player breaks away from a defender to receive a pass near the baseline in order to make a quick layup.

Word History and Origins

Origin of backdoor play¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Binnington denied Brock Boeser on a backdoor play on a power play early in the period, while Martin got in front of a point shot from Alexey Toropchenko through traffic.

From Seattle Times

After Merzlikins denied Ryan McDonagh on a backdoor play at 11:35, Columbus went on the power play at 8:57 on a cross checking call to Palat.

From Seattle Times

“Skilled player, yeah,” Henrique said of Zegras, who fed him a perfect pass to finish off a backdoor play three minutes into overtime.

From Los Angeles Times

Maroon tapped in a pass from Tyler Johnson on a backdoor play at 15:12 for Tampa Bay’s second power-play goal of the game.

From Washington Times

Oscar da Silva caught it on a backdoor play, slicing through the paint for a layup that gave the Cardinal a 73-72 victory over the Bruins on Saturday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

From Los Angeles Times