touchback

[ tuhch-bak ]

noun

, Football.

1. a play in which the ball is downed after having been kicked into the end zone by the opposing team or having been recovered or intercepted there, or in which it has been kicked beyond the end zone. Compare safety ( def 6a ).

touchback

/ ˈtʌtʃˌbæk /

noun

1. American football a play in which the ball is put down by a player behind his own goal line when the ball has been put across the goal line by an opponent Compare safety

Word History and Origins

Origin of touchback¹

First recorded in 1885–90; touch + back ²

Example Sentences

He could have safely downed that one for a touchback, but then again…

From Los Angeles Times

Orange Lutheran picked off three passes on defense, Cuneo making the last on a tumbling interception in the end zone for a touchback with 4:10 left.

From Los Angeles Times

The fumble rolled around the pylon and out the side of the end zone for a touchback, giving the Cardinals possession at the 20.

From Los Angeles Times

The He kicked off six times, all for touchbacks.

From Los Angeles Times

The new rules put the majority of opposing players much closer together for kickoffs, reducing the likelihood of car-crash collisions and increasing the chance of substantial returns, as opposed to touchbacks.

From Los Angeles Times