Heading off a pass refers to intercepting or blocking a pass in a sports game, particularly in team sports such as soccer, basketball, or American football. It is a defensive technique employed by a player or a team to prevent an opposing player from successfully delivering the ball to a teammate.
In soccer, heading off a pass involves positioning oneself between the intended recipient of the pass and the passer in order to cut off the passing lane and gain control of the ball. This can be achieved by either moving swiftly to a position where the pass is likely to be played or by anticipating the pass based on the movements of the players. Additionally, the player may use their head to redirect or block the trajectory of the pass.
Similarly, in basketball, heading off a pass involves reading the offensive play and positioning oneself to obstruct the intended passing route. This can be accomplished by stepping into the passing lane, using footwork to quickly slide into a favorable position, or extending arms to disrupt the pass. The objective is to either gain possession of the ball or force the opponent into making a less desirable or more difficult pass.
In American football, heading off a pass is commonly referred to as intercepting the ball. The defensive player aims to catch the forward pass intended for an offensive player, subsequently gaining possession for their own team and potentially changing the momentum of the game.
Overall, heading off a pass entails actively disrupting the opponent's intended passing play through strategic positioning, anticipation, and physical deflection or interception.
