play-action pass

American  

[pley-ak-shuhn] / ˈpleɪˌæk ʃən /

noun

Football.

1. a pass play designed to deceive the defense by appearing to be a running play, in which the quarterback fakes a hand-off to a back before throwing a forward pass.

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Etymology

Origin of play-action pass

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

And despite Arteta’s inability to ever draw up a play-action pass, the Rams credit him with helping to turn their 2024 season around.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 17, 2025

On a play-action pass, Chargers running back Najee Harris crumpled to the turf before the fake handoff could fully develop, immediately grabbing his left ankle and tossing aside his helmet in pain.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 21, 2025

For the Tide, it has to be all about running the ball, hitting teams over the top with the play-action pass and protecting a defense that isn’t as star-studded as years past.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

Jaxon Smith-Njigba was about as open as a receiver gets in the NFL on his 28-yard TD reception from Geno Smith on a play-action pass in the first quarter.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 22, 2023

“If we take a sack on first down, our play-action pass isn’t going to be good on second and 20.”

From Washington Post • Oct. 6, 2022