Origin of Phrase: On the back foot

Factual Questions
1

Hi -

I’m trying to find the origin of this phrase. I’ve been told it means to be on the defensive and I’m wondering if has it something to do with fencing.

Thanks

2

I’m only guessing but it might also be from the game of cricket.

A defensive stroke, i.e. one that is purely intended to play the ball safely, not necessarily to score a run, is often played “off the back foot”, i.e. the batsman takes a step back towards his stumps. (Taking a step down the pitch, towards the bowler, is “on the front foot”.)

3

Thanks - all the evidence points to cricket!

4

In fact, you can learn how to play shots off the back foot on the BBC’s website