# forward pass

CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/forward-pass
Updated: 2026-08-05

## Definition

a move in sports where a player throws or kicks the ball toward the opponent's goal. It is common in American football but against the rules in rugby.

For teachers: the act of passing a ball toward the opponent's goal line in team sports. In American football, it is a legal manoeuvre once per down; in rugby, it is an infraction resulting in a scrum.

## Examples

- The quarterback completed a long forward pass to his teammate.
- After the referee whistled for a forward pass, the rugby team lost possession and had to defend a scrum.
- The success of the offensive strategy relied entirely on the accuracy of the forward pass, which stretched the defensive line and created space for a touchdown.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in sports contexts like American football, rugby, and soccer.
- Teaching tip: use this to discuss sports-specific jargon and the difference between legal plays in American football versus illegal ones in rugby union or league.

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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.