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InAmerican football, apass deflected, also known as apass deflection,[1] apass defended, apass defensed, apass knockdown, or apass breakup, is anincomplete pass that is caused by a defensive player. This is done by slapping or blocking the ball with a hand or part of the arm, knocking the ball to the ground. It can also be done by aggressively hitting the receiver at the exact moment he first makes contact with the ball, or shortly thereafter, jarring the ball loose. If the defender hits the receiver before the latter first makes contact with the ball, it ispass interference.
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