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.

---

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

Williams began the second quarter with an electrifying 46-yard run up the middle followed by a perfect play-action pass to a wide-open Michael Jackson III in the end zone for a 15-yard touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2023

On the first play of the drive, Kelly dialed up a play-action pass.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 3, 2023

The Owls, who had 227 yards rushing, worked their way back to fourth-and-goal at the 1 when Xavier Shepherd hit Foster on a play-action pass to tie the game.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 8, 2022

“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