shoestring catch

noun

Baseball, Football.

1. a catch of a ball on the fly, made close to the ground while running.

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoestring catch¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30

Example Sentences

Lives Lived: In 1972, the running back Franco Harris made a shoestring catch that became known as the “Immaculate Reception.”

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The sixth-year pro finished with 18 tackles and two interceptions, including one he made a fantastic shoestring catch on before going untouched for the winning score.

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He made an improbable shoestring catch and raced into the end zone, securing the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-ever playoff win, the start of a long dynasty.

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Betts charged on the ball and made a shoestring catch, then came up firing as Herrera tagged and tried to score.

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“I turn and see Jay running full tilt, and he makes a running shoestring catch in the gap.”

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