English

Noun

back line ‎(plural back lines)

1. (soccer) Collectively, the defenders of a team.
   • 2010 December 29, Chris Whyatt, “Chelsea 1 - 0 Bolton”, in BBC:

     Battling Bolton disputed the goal, claiming Drogba was offside, but the Ivorian appeared to have timed his angled run across the visitors back line to perfection to race onto a fine Michael Essien pass and ensure Chelsea moved back into fourth place in the Premier League.

2. (field hockey) The line running across the goal to the corners of the playing field.