What is a "back pass" in football?

What is a "back pass" in football?

• A. A pass made under pressure from an opponent
• B. A deliberate pass to the goalkeeper that can be handled by the keeper
• C. A deliberate pass to the goalkeeper that cannot be handled by the keeper if played by a teammate
• D. A pass that is not successfully completed

Answer: (C)

A "back pass" in football refers to a deliberate pass made to the goalkeeper that cannot be handled by that goalkeeper if the ball is played by a teammate. This rule, known as the back-pass rule, was instituted to discourage time-wasting tactics and to promote the flow of the game. If a player deliberately passes the ball back to the goalkeeper using their feet, the goalkeeper is not allowed to handle it with their hands; they must play it with their feet. If the goalkeeper does handle it after a deliberate back pass, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the spot where the goalkeeper touched the ball. Such a mechanism ensures that teams cannot simply play the ball back to their goalkeeper to avoid pressure, thus keeping the game dynamic and encouraging offensive play. Understanding this rule is crucial for beginners and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the strategies and tactics employed during matches.

A "back pass" in football refers to a deliberate pass made to the goalkeeper that cannot be handled by that goalkeeper if the ball is played by a teammate. This rule, known as the back-pass rule, was instituted to discourage time-wasting tactics and to promote the flow of the game. If a player deliberately passes the ball back to the goalkeeper using their feet, the goalkeeper is not allowed to handle it with their hands; they must play it with their feet. If the goalkeeper does handle it after a deliberate back pass, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team at the spot where the goalkeeper touched the ball.

Such a mechanism ensures that teams cannot simply play the ball back to their goalkeeper to avoid pressure, thus keeping the game dynamic and encouraging offensive play. Understanding this rule is crucial for beginners and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the strategies and tactics employed during matches.