Handpass is a term used in Gaelic football and hurling to describe the action of passing the ball from one player to another using their hand rather than their foot. The spelling of the word is closely related to the phonetic transcription of its pronunciation. The IPA phonetic transcription of "handpass" is /ˈhan(d)pæs/. It starts with a voiced h sound, followed by the vowel sound "a" as in "cat." The word ends with a consonant cluster of p and s sounds.
Handpass is a term used primarily in sports, most commonly in Australian football, Gaelic football, and ice hockey, to describe a specific technique of passing the ball or puck using only the hand. It refers to the act of striking or hitting the ball with a closed fist or an open palm, typically while holding it in one hand, to propel it to a teammate or another player, excluding the involvement of the foot or any other part of the body.
In Australian football, handpassing involves a underhand or side-on motion, known as a "handball," to distribute the ball quickly and accurately to a teammate. It is a significant element of the game, allowing players to maintain possession, avoid tackles, and create scoring opportunities.
In Gaelic football, handpassing, often referred to as a "handpass," is an essential skill where a player strikes the ball with an open hand to move it forward or sideways. It allows players to maneuver the ball while on the move, increasing the speed and fluidity of play.
Similarly, in ice hockey, a handpass occurs when a player passes the puck to a teammate using an open hand instead of the stick. This technique is typically deployed in situations where direct stick contact is impossible, such as when the puck is near waist height or higher.
Overall, handpassing is a key maneuver in various sports that facilitates quick ball or puck movement and play progression while typically prohibiting the use of any body part other than the hand.
The term "handpass" is a combination of the words "hand" and "pass".
The word "hand" originated from the Old English word "hand". It can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where it was "handuz". This word is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kent-, which means "to grasp" or "to seize".
The word "pass" has roots in various languages. In this context, it originates from the Old French word "passe", meaning "a crossing, step, or movement". This word is derived from the Latin word "passus", meaning "a step or pace".
So, the term "handpass" refers to the act of passing or transferring something using one's hand. It has evolved and become commonly used in sports, especially ice hockey and Australian rules football, to describe a specific type of pass made during gameplay.