forward pass

noun

, Football.

1. a pass in which the ball is thrown in the direction of advance toward the opponent's goal.

forward pass

noun

1. rugby an illegal pass towards the opponent's dead-ball line Also calledthrow-forward

Word History and Origins

Origin of forward pass¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

No blocking or moving screens are allowed and the offensive team may not throw more than one forward pass per play.

From Los Angeles Times

He's kind of been made the scapegoat but is now back in his comfortable position, playing forward passes.

From BBC

No ordinary rules tweak, these new kickoffs might be the biggest on-field rules change since the advent of the forward pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Meg Jones is over but she is denied by a forward pass in the build-up.

From BBC

Exciting winger Kelly Arbey thought she had scored on her debut 10 minutes later but the try was disallowed for a forward pass in the build-up.

From BBC