backspin

American  

[bak-spin] / ˈbækˌspɪn /

noun

1. reverse rotation of a ball causing it to bounce or roll backward or stop short.

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backspin British  

/ ˈbækˌspɪn /

noun

1. sport a backward spinning motion imparted to a ball to reduce its speed at impact, as by hitting it with a downward or undercutting motion Compare topspin

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Etymology

Origin of backspin

First recorded in 1905–10; back ² + spin

Example Sentences

But things are finally starting to take a turn — or a backspin, as a pickler might say.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 28, 2023

A shot by English striker Geoff Hurst hit the crossbar and, with some backspin, appeared to hit the goal-line.

From Washington Post • Jul. 22, 2022

Sánchez overran a foul pop behind the plate by Oscar Mercado in the fifth inning on the sunny afternoon, misreading the backspin, and was charged with his sixth error.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2021

He imparts so much backspin on the ball it nearly makes its way back up the slope and onto the green, but that would have been an outrage too far.

From The Guardian • Nov. 13, 2020

The flat-soled club is essentially one for taking the ball cleanly, and somehow that hollow face does impart extra backspin to the ball.

From The Happy Golfer Being Some Experiences, Reflections, and a Few Deductions of a Wandering Golfer by Leach, Henry