hand-off

American  

[hand-awf, -of] / ˈhændˌɔf, -ˌɒf /

Or handoff

noun

1. Football.

   1. an offensive play in which a player, usually a back, hands the ball to a teammate.

   2. the ball itself during the execution of such a transfer.

      He fumbled the hand-off.

2. Aviation. the condition or period in which control or surveillance of an aircraft is transferred from one control center to another.

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hand-off British  

noun

1. the act of warding off an opposing player with the open hand

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verb

1. (tr, adverb) to ward off (an opponent) using a hand-off

Etymology

Origin of hand-off

First recorded in 1895–1900; noun use of verb phrase hand off

Example Sentences

Three tries at this World Cup, including a sharp finish from a strong hand-off against the Black Ferns, mean England wing Dow will have to be on high alert defensively.

From BBC • Sep. 25, 2025

They moved on to executing roll-out passes, stretched with the team and then did hand-off drills with running backs.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2025

He also wondered if a change of strategy this close to a hand-off of the presidency was wise.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2024

"As a result, the hand-off to 2Q looks weak. We see meaningful risks of a contraction in GDP in 2Q."

From Reuters • Apr. 10, 2023

Winchell fakes the hand-off and goes around the right end on a bootleg, angling for the end zone.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger