The overall course, pace, or flow of a game, situation, or series of action, especially in sports. McKinley has been entirely controlling the run of play on the court up till now, but that twisted ankle could give his opponent a chance to change the tide. The hockey player, once the most sought after in the league, has been having rather inconsistent run of play this season. Late in the game, the struggling German squad managed to score two goals against the run of play.