Possible Clues:

• Metaphor for a bad start
• Catch off balance or unprepared
• Confuse
• Catch off guard
• Over base, inaccurate throw
• *Bad thing to get off on
• Cause to be at a disadvantage
• Cause to be at a disadvantage with incorrect length
• Bad way to start, after 39 Across
• Catch a person unprepared or off balance