open play

English

Noun

open play (plural open plays)

1. (sports, especially soccer and rugby) The period of play outside set pieces; the phase where possession can change by passing and tackling.
   • 2010 November 2, Phil Merrick, Bleed White: The fall and rise of Leeds United... to be continued, AuthorHouse, →ISBN:

     We've struggled to score goals in open play since early March which contributed to our promotion hopes falling away last season.

   • 2015 August 27, Gavin Hickie, Eilidh Donaldson, Rugby Revealed: Reaching Your Rugby Potential, Bloomsbury Publishing, →ISBN, page 222:

     A dropped goal is a kick at goal in open play and can be taken from anywhere on the pitch and by any player within the team.

   • 2020 August 6, Steve Leach, Twenty Football Towns, Saraband, →ISBN:

     Orient's tended to result from set pieces, whilst Ebbsfleet's came from open play.