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handoff

handoff

8 3.9
A play where one player gives the ball to a teammate who runs with it
  • noun
  • /ˈhændɔf/
  • Jargon
translation icon : pase
  • During the game, the quarterback executed a perfect handoff to the running back, allowing him to dash down the field.

Examples

  • It's an obvious running play with Jennings taking the handoff to go to the right off center.

    Blog text (14)
  • Richardson takes the handoff and scampers to the strong side of the defense.

    Blog text (11)
  • On first down, the handoff is to Jones.

  • The handoff is to Clay.

  • Handoff goes to the second man through.

  • I shoot forward and take the handoff from the quarterback.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • On first down, Thomas takes a handoff and goes up the middle for a touchdown.

    Blog text (28)
  • Rodgers takes a handoff left for 12 yards on first down.

    Blog text (10)
  • Wilson gets the handoff and he's got room to run on the left-hand side.

  • On 4th down from the 1-yard line, Ball took a handoff and leapt for the goal line.

    Blog text (14)

How Deceptive

double reverse
  • Specialized
1 8.2
reverse
  • Jargon
9 7.2
end run
  • Jargon
1 6.5
handoff
  • Jargon
8 3.9

Surface Forms

handoff singular
handoffs plural
hand-offs plural
hand-off singular

Morphology

handoff = hand + off (transparent) = hand + off

The noun is directly built from the phrasal verb 'hand off' (hand + off); learners who know the verb phrase can infer the noun meaning.

Etymology

Handoff comes from the parts hand and off, which together mean 'to give with your hand to someone else'. In football a handoff is literally that, when one player gives the ball to a teammate to start a running play, so the word matches the action.