An offensive play in football where one receiver intentionally blocks or impedes a defender to free up another receiver. When done legally, it's called a 'rub route'; when illegal, it results in an offensive pass interference penalty.
Borrowed from basketball's 'pick' (a screen to free up a teammate), adapted to football passing games. The term reflects the basketball origins of using one player to obstruct a defender's path to help a teammate.
Pick plays walk the finest line in football officiating - the difference between a legal 'rub' and illegal interference often comes down to inches and timing! The Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl XLIX goal-line interception came on a pick play that wasn't quite executed properly, showing how this high-percentage concept can backfire at crucial moments.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.