broken field

¹ American  

noun

1. open field.

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broken-field ² American  

[broh-kuhn-feeld] / ˈbroʊ kənˈfild /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of broken field¹

An Americanism dating back to 1895–1900

Origin of broken-field²

An Americanism dating back to 1920–25

Example Sentences

"He is so dangerous in broken field and is an instinctive player, so when he is back to winning the air he will show what he has got with his running game."

From BBC

Pollock, who replaced Earl off the bench, made 52m and similarly revelled in broken field, swerving outside full-back Andrew Kellaway for England's second score.

From BBC

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