short pass

noun2

1. •
   A pass of the ball that is primarily to the side rather than one that gains yardage.
2. •
   A pass of the ball between teammates too close together to allow an opponent to get between them. There is no particular distance the ball must travel to qualify as a short pass. For instance, if the passing player drops the ball and retreats before her teammate takes possession, it is not a short pass. A short pass is against the rules and results in a free pass to the opposition.