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General

assist

What does assist mean?

The final pass or touch by a teammate that leads directly to a goal being scored.

"He grabbed a goal and two assists in a man-of-the-match display."

Origin

Cross-sport statistic (also basketball/ice hockey) for the pass that 'assists' a score.

Frequently asked questions

What is an assist in football?
It's the final pass or touch that directly sets up a goal, credited to the player who provided it.
Does the last pass always count as an assist?
Usually, but not always. If a defender heavily deflects the ball or the scorer does most of the work, the assist may not be awarded.
Do assists count in other sports?
Yes. Assists are a core statistic in basketball and ice hockey too, where they credit the pass that leads to a score.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.