back foot

noun

1. on the back foot
   at a disadvantage; outmanoeuvred or outclassed by an opponent

Example Sentences

This comes at a time when Russian forces are creeping forward all along the eastern front and Ukraine feels it has been on the back foot for several months.

From BBC

They then allowed Australia to get a bit of speed at the ruck - and were on the back foot.

From BBC

When the left-hander finally picked out deep mid-wicket at the end of penultimate over, giving Mahmood his fourth wicket, England were on the back foot.

From BBC

After the tourists were forced on to the back foot early, the opener played an uncharacteristically sedate knock to lend some respect to the England total.

From BBC

You could see Ford was looking at Randall and not wanting the ball because he was on the back foot and static.

From BBC