The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word BACKSPIN
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
A
C
K
S
P
I
N
More clues leading to the result BACKSPIN
- Rugby player's leg with which ball may be struck
- Defend media manipulation in 24 across’s movement
- Rugby player’s leg and ball movement
- Ball slower? Second hurries up
- Supports leg movement achieved by some potters
- Nips?
- Helps fix reverse rotation
- Screw, say to support wheel
- Defender’s leg slower when playing ball?
- Recoil at political bias employed by one who serves?
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "employed by one who serves" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case employed by one who serves = backspin.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BACKSPIN mean?
BACKSPIN noun- Spin applied to a ball in order to slow it, change its flight, or stop it when it lands.
- To spin (a ball) with this motion.
- To play a section of a record in reverse, as a disc jockey; to apply spinback.
- A disc jockey's technique of suddenly playing a section of a record in reverse.