Of a throw, a missile, etc.: Travelling too short a distance, not reaching the mark. Chiefly in Archery and Bowls: see quots. 1801 1897. In Cricket…

Sport (esp. Athletics). Of a jump, pass, etc.: performed from a standing position. Cf. crouch, n.2 b.

Not penetrative. Later chiefly (Sport): not capable of breaching an opponent's defence; cf. penetrating, adj. 1d.

Not close or compact in arrangement or structure. Applied to exercise or play in which those engaged are not close together or in which there is…

Sport. Withdrawn (from a race, etc.).

Chiefly Sport. Designating something, esp. the delivery of a ball, which has rapid powerful motion.

Sport. Of action: Ill-sustained, uneven, ‘ragged’. Also transferred.

Sport. colloquial. That can be capitalized on; that is liable to be taken advantage of. Cf. punish, v. 3d.

Sport. Of a game or style of play: characterized by action which is spread out over the field.

Sport. Of a kick, lift, blow, etc.: performed in, into, or from the air, esp. directly above the head.

Designating a sportsperson whose style of play demonstrates great strength and force, as power hitter, power-player, etc. (also figurative). Also…

Designating or characterized by a style of play emphasizing speed and attack over strategy, caution, or defence. Also in extended use.

Closely packed (cf. tighten, v. 1b). Of a group or formation: having the individual members positioned close together. Frequently in Sport; also trans…