backheel
|back-heel|
/ˈbækhiːl/
kick with the back of the heel
Etymology
'backheel' originates from English, specifically the compound of 'back' and 'heel', where 'back' meant 'the rear part' and 'heel' meant 'the back part of the foot'.
'backheel' developed as a compound in modern English; the separate words 'back' (Old English 'bæc') and 'heel' (Old English 'hēla') combined into the compound 'backheel', with recorded use in sporting contexts (notably football/soccer) from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Initially, the elements referred to physical parts ('back' = rear, 'heel' = part of the foot); over time the compound came to denote a specific kicking technique — a strike using the back of the heel.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a kick or strike made with the back of the heel, especially used in football (soccer) to pass or score.
He scored with a clever backheel from close range.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to strike or pass (a ball) with the back of the heel; to perform a backheel.
She backheeled the ball into the path of her teammate.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 09:58