Runback

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A tactical play in sports where a player retrieves a ball after a turnover to move it towards their own scoring zone
2. An action in sports where a player recovers the ball following a change of possession and advances it toward their goal area
3. A maneuver performed by an athlete to gain territory by picking up the ball after the opposing team loses it

Etymology: "Runback" is a plain compound of "run" and "back," and its sense in the sport is almost literal: a player takes the ball the opposing side has just lost and carries it back toward the other end of the field. Here "run" keeps its ordinary meaning of moving quickly on foot, while "back" points to the direction of travel, returning toward the place the play began. The word is most often heard in American football and similar games, where a fumble or interception can hand the ball to the defense, which then tries to advance it. Because the two parts are so transparent, the term needs little explanation beyond what each element already says.