From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Diagram of a falling leaf maneuver (sense 1)
So called from the gradual "drifting" motion like a leaf falling from a tree.
falling leaf (plural falling leaves)
- (aviation) An aerobatic maneuver, a controlled stall that begins to induce a spin which is then countered with the rudder.
- (soccer) A dated kicking technique used to put the ball into a swaying movement that makes it harder to estimate its trajectory.
