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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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