wrong-foot

verb4

1. •
   To cause a competitor to move or put weight on the wrong foot, as by making an unexpected move.

   • Johnson hesitated with his back to goal and was dispossessed by Mulumbu, who instantly played Odemwingie through on goal. The Nigerian kept his composure to wrong-foot Reina. — 2012
2. •
   To play the ball in an unexpected direction, forcing (the opponent) to change direction suddenly.
3. •
   To catch (someone) off balance, off guard; to surprise.

   • He is cast as a master of brinkmanship who uses shock and chaos to wrongfoot opponents before settling, in the end, for more sober outcomes. — 2025
4. •
   To place (someone) at a tactical disadvantage.