English
Noun
open play (plural open plays)
- (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.