passes that break down a defence

I want to rank passes. To define which are the most and least useful passes. Then I can work on throwing and cutting for more of the most useful passes in various situations.

Useful passes are, I think, passes that break down defences. This might not immediately be a clear way to categorise passes. (unlike, say, naming everything 'dump', 'swing', 'undercut', 'leading pass to an away cut', 'break' and so on...or saying useful passes are just the ones that gain the most territory)

I propose this definition:

A pass that results in the next pass (that works towards a score) being an easier one is a pass that breaks down the defence.

The obvious passes that come under this definition are

• passes that get past a cup
• break mark passes
• hucks

But there are also more subtle ones. For instance a backfield dump from a force sideline position: if it leads the receiver towards the sideline, the defence will get a force on quickly and considering the position of the original thrower (now, in the way) the new disc holder is worse off in every respect other than stall count. Whereas a dump that leads the receiver away from the sideline should create the opportunity for a continuation pass. The next pass working towards a score should be easier.

I think the majority of passes that everyone looks for should mean the next one is closer to a score. That is the majority of players look for upfield passes most often. But using the definition you could still say one option is even better than another. Passes can be ranked with how easy they make the next throw progressing towards a score.

Perhaps my definition implies a comparison with the previous throw. I'm not sure if I want to do that.