backfield

noun

1. (rare)The rear part of the field of play, particularly
2. The rear part of the field of play, particularly
3. (US)The rear part of the field of play, particularly

   “Moving the ball directly out of the backfield is the greatest form of attack there is.”

   “Cheryl Salisbury[…]moved back to defense, and became a veteran force on the backfield. By 2003 she was captain of the Matildas, but still found enough time to hone her skills for the WUSA[…]”

   ““Like you should talk about good soccer, Ethan,” said Joshua, the team's starting keeper. “I bet every girl on the soccer team knows not to go charging on goal from the backfield, ignoring her teammates.””

4. The players occupying this area.

   “Maryland's football team practiced for the third straight day yesterday without its starting backfield.”