approach play

approach play (uncountable)

1. A play which advances a teams position but does not score.
   • 2018 June 18, Phil McNulty, “Tunisia 1 – 2 England”, in BBC Sport‎^[1], archived from the original on 21 April 2019:

     Jordan Henderson had a shot saved and other chances were spurned as England fashioned some magnificent approach play only to fail to apply the final flourish.