get open

English

Verb

get open (third-person singular simple present gets open, present participle getting open, simple past got open, past participle (UK) got open or (US) gotten open)

1. (sports) Of a player in a team sport, to evade defenders and thereby create a gap allowing another player to pass the ball to that player.
   • 2009, National Basketball Coaches Association, NBA Coaches Playbook: Techniques, Tactics, and Teaching Points, page 19:

     First, players should learn how to get open to receive the ball; then they need to master basic one-on-one moves with the ball.

   • 2010, Jim Dougherty, Brandon Castel, Survival Guide for Coaching Youth Football, page 50:

     The quarterback hikes the ball, and it's the receiver's job to run around and get open until the ball comes his way.

   • 2013, Don Zimmerman, Peter England, Men's Lacrosse, page 125:

     To get open on offense, you should cut to an open area or to the ball.