SportsAugust 25, 2026

knockback

NOCK-back

Definition

The ability of a defensive player to forcibly drive an opposing blocker or offensive player backward upon initial contact.

Etymology

The word is a compound of the verb 'knock' and the preposition/adverb 'back,' emerging in Middle English to describe the physical act of forcing something in a reverse direction.

In the news

The word describes the physical impact Corey Randolph delivers at the point of attack, which college recruiters highlighted as a key strength in his gameplay.

In honor of grandmother, Boston College commit Corey Randolph plays certain way for Simeon: ‘Important for me’

Read the full article ↗

Chicago Tribune

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