screen pass

noun

Football.

1. a pass thrown to a receiver who is directly in back of a wall of blockers and who is behind or not far beyond the line of scrimmage.

Word History and Origins

Origin of screen pass¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Early in the second quarter, he caught a screen pass, did a tightrope run down the Los Angeles sideline and dived into the end zone for a 19-yard touchdown.

From Los Angeles Times

Tight end Jack Endries made two critical catches on passes from Harris — one for 16 yards and another for 22 yards on a screen pass.

From Los Angeles Times

Colson has been gradually integrating into the defense, but he’s already making an impact, disrupting a screen pass and demonstrating his ability to cover the field.

From Los Angeles Times

On that fourth-down play, McCarthy tossed a screen pass to a wide-open Blake Corum, and the stocky running back ran 27 yards that was enough for a first down despite a blocking-in-the-back penalty.

From Los Angeles Times

The Vikings ran for no gain and 1 yard, before a screen pass lost 1 yard.

From Seattle Times