Backpass

Backpass is a term in association football describing a pass from a teammate back to their own goalkeeper. The concept is primarily discussed in the context of the Laws of the Game and how goalkeepers interact with passes from their own side.

Under the back-pass rule, a goalkeeper may not handle the ball with their hands if it has been deliberately kicked to them by a teammate. If the goalkeeper does touch such a ball, the referee awards an indirect free kick to the opposing team from the spot where the goalkeeper touched it. The determination of what constitutes a deliberate kick is at the referee’s discretion, and the rule applies regardless of where the ball is played on the field. Ball plays that are not deemed deliberate kicks, such as certain deflections, may still be playable by the keeper with the hands.

Tactically, backpasses are used to retain possession or reset play, but they carry the risk of conceding possession or inviting a rapid counterattack if mishandled. The rule aims to discourage time-wasting and to promote continuous play and distribution by the goalkeeper and defenders. Since its introduction in 1992, teams have adapted by prioritizing quick distribution, confident ball handling, or direct clearances under pressure.

Notable effects of the rule include changes in goalkeeper training, such as improved foot skills and short-pass proficiency, as well as adjustments in defensive spacing to avoid back-pass situations. The term remains a common topic in discussions of game flow and tactical strategy in football.