bro·ken-field

(brō′kən-fēld′)

adj. Football

Accomplished by a ball carrier against defenders who are scattered over the field, as on a punt return: broken-field running.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Adj.

broken-field - varying in direction suddenly and frequently; "broken-field running"

football, football game - any of various games played with a ball (round or oval) in which two teams try to kick or carry or propel the ball into each other's goal

broken - not continuous in space, time, or sequence or varying abruptly; "broken lines of defense"; "a broken cable transmission"; "broken sleep"; "tear off the stub above the broken line"; "a broken note"; "broken sobs"

References in periodicals archive

A player who runs hard and boasts plenty of pace, he showed how dangerous a broken-field runner he can be when he evaded four defenders for a superb first international try in the second Test against Argentina in the summer.

From Cinderford to Wales - the extraordinary rise of Josh Adams and why Warren Gatland loves him so much; Just two and a half years ago Adams was playing for Cinderford against the likes of Wharfdale and Hull Ionians

Williams would be an important figure for Wales even without their injuries, for the 26-year is a broken-field runner who does what it says on the tin and can play with dash from either fullback or wing.

Gatland boost as Liam edges towards return for Saracens

"He is a really good rugby player and an extremely dangerous broken-field runner," Solomons said.

Could Josh be in with a shout?

With that monkey off their back now - and Sam Gallagher leading the line up front, Jeremie Boga operating as a dangerous broken-field runner and more stability at the back - there is no reason why it should be their last.

WHAT WE LEARNED

He said: "He (Adams) is a really good rugby player, he's an extremely dangerous broken-field runner, he's very dangerous.

WARRIORS PICK UP A BONUS AS ADAMS SHINES

"On his day, Elliot is one of the best broken-field runners at this level and has real X factor.

Hodgson signs again to bring the 'X Factor' to Lockwood Park mix; We want him to lead the way on the pitch: Lewis

Opponents have now done plenty of analysis on Young's team, and know they are deadly broken-field counter-attackers.

Paul Smith dissects another bad day at the Sandy Park office for Wasps THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Equally ingrained is the notion of the impact player, an expression which has come to signify someone coming on to add a burst of broken-field energy in the last 20 minutes of a game.

Jones heralds new way of thinking on bench roles

But Newcastle had no intention of letting their momentum drop, replacement Mark Wilson helping create their fourth try with 10 minutes remaining as their broken-field running created holes in the defensive line.

Dismissal of Georgians bodes well for season; THE MATCH: Newcastle Falcons 27 Georgia 7 Falcons claim famous victory

"Behind the pack you've got the likes of Stefan Ratchford who is a fantastic broken-field runner with a knack of taking advantage of any weaknesses in the opposition defensive line.

WILKIN'S OUT FOR REVENGE; Captain recognises the importance of clash with Wolves

The controllers were very helpful, allowing me to do some off-air-way broken-field running to stay out of them, but it was time: To get home, we needed to find something approaching a soft spot and get to the other side.

Soft spot