broken field

¹

noun

1. open field.

broken-field

²

[broh-kuhn-feeld]

adjective

Football.

1. performed, as by a ball-carrier, in a wide-open area covered by few defensive players, as opposed to the heavily trafficked area near the line of scrimmage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of broken field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Origin of broken field²

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

Van der Merwe, a sensational broken field runner, has lost too much ground on the other three at this point.

From BBC

Because Bordeaux's backline, marshalled by the quicksilver Mathieu Jalibert and laced with the pace of Penaud and Louis Bielle-Biarrey, is the most dangerous in the competition off turnover ball and in broken field.

From BBC

Against a French team that kick for distance, rather than to set up aerial duels, Marcus Smith's ability to pick his way through a broken field will be either a deterrent or a weapon.

From BBC

Caught cold in the opening stages, they wrestled their way back into the contest before revelling in broken field.

From BBC

The superb Sititi surged through broken field and almost laid on a third try just before half-time, with Vaa'i just unable to reel in his pass with the line beckoning.

From BBC