centre pass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Sporting
Quick answer
What does “centre pass” mean?
A pass made from the centre of the field, typically to restart play after a goal, in sports such as netball and basketball.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pass made from the centre of the field, typically to restart play after a goal, in sports such as netball and basketball.
The action or moment of passing the ball from the centre of the playing area, especially as a formal restart in team sports governed by specific rules.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The spelling 'centre' is British; American English uses 'center'. The term is primarily used in sports popular in Commonwealth countries (e.g., netball). In American sports contexts, similar concepts exist but are typically named differently (e.g., 'center jump ball' in basketball historically, or 'opening tip').
Connotations
In British/Commonwealth contexts, it connotes structured, rule-bound play. In American contexts, the term itself is rarely used and may sound foreign or specifically refer to imported sports.
Frequency
Much more frequent in British English, Australian English, and other Commonwealth varieties due to the prominence of netball. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “centre pass” in a Sentence
[Team/Player] + verb (take/make) + the centre passThe centre pass is taken by [Player]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “centre pass” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She will centre-pass to the wing attack.
- The team practised how to centre-pass under pressure.
American English
- (Rare) He will center-pass to the point guard.
adjective
British English
- The centre-pass routine needs work.
- They executed a perfect centre-pass play.
American English
- The center-pass drill is first in practice.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in sports science literature discussing tactics, kinematics, or rules of specific sports.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used in the context of playing or watching sports like netball. Uncommon in general conversation.
Technical
Core term in the rulebooks and coaching manuals for netball, some variations of basketball, and similar court sports.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “centre pass”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “centre pass”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “centre pass”
- Using 'centre pass' to describe any pass made from a central position in a fluid game (e.g., football/soccer).
- Spelling it as 'center pass' in a British sporting context.
- Treating it as a common noun instead of a proper sporting term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, written as two separate words: 'centre pass'.
No, in official UK sporting contexts (e.g., Netball England rules), the British spelling 'centre' is required. 'Center pass' would be considered an Americanism.
They are analogous concepts (both restart play), but the terms are not interchangeable. 'Kick-off' is specific to football/soccer, while 'centre pass' is specific to sports like netball and basketball.
Not necessarily. In netball, any player from the team awarded the pass may take it, though it is often a role for the Centre player. The term 'centre pass' refers to the *action and location*, not the player's position.
A pass made from the centre of the field, typically to restart play after a goal, in sports such as netball and basketball.
Centre pass is usually technical/sporting in register.
Centre pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛntə pɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛn(t)ər pæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the CENTRE of the court where play re-STARTS with a PASS: CENTRE PASS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE GAME IS A JOURNEY; the centre pass is the departure point from a fixed location.
Practice
Quiz
In which sport is the term 'centre pass' most precisely and commonly used?