# downfield

CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/downfield
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

further toward the other team's end of the field, away from your own goal. You use it for passes, kicks, or players moving toward attack.

For teachers: situated or moving toward the opponent's end of the playing field, away from one's own goal. Typically describes passes, kicks, or player movement in field sports such as football.

## Examples

- He kicks the ball downfield to his teammate.
- The defender clears the ball downfield to start a quick counterattack before the opponents regroup.
- With seconds left, the quarterback launches a desperate downfield throw that arcs over two defenders and lands softly in the receiver's hands.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.