backdoor play

American  

noun

Basketball.

1. an offensive tactic whereby a player breaks away from a defender to receive a pass near the baseline in order to make a quick layup.

---

Etymology

Origin of backdoor play

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Oscar da Silva caught it on a backdoor play, slicing through the paint for a layup that gave the Cardinal a 73-72 victory over the Bruins on Saturday at Kaiser Permanente Arena.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2021

Gomez was at the right-wing boards when he spotted Jagr dashing down the left side for a backdoor play.

From Washington Times • Dec. 15, 2014

During a timeout with just over a minute left and Kansas trailing 63-57, Kansas coach Bill Self designed a beautiful backdoor play that seemed to give Tyshawn Taylor a layup.

From Time • Apr. 3, 2012

The block squandered a sublime backdoor play out of the timeout that could have cut the Kentucky lead to 4.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2012

Trip came down and hit Glen on a backdoor play and we were up by one.

From "Slam!" by Walter Dean Myers