General
hospital pass
What does hospital pass mean?
A poorly timed or placed pass that forces the receiver to catch it in a vulnerable position, likely to result in a punishing hit.
"That hospital pass over the middle got the receiver lit up."
Origin
American football (and rugby) slang; the receiver is likely to end up in the hospital.
Frequently asked questions
What is a hospital pass?
It's a badly timed or placed pass that forces the receiver to catch it while exposed, setting him up for a big, punishing hit.
Why is it called a hospital pass?
The name is grim humor: the receiver is left so vulnerable that catching it could send him to the hospital.
Is hospital pass used in rugby too?
Yes. The term originated in rugby and is used across both rugby codes and American football for the same dangerous type of pass.
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