Generally, a lateral pass in football refers to a specific type of pass where the ball is thrown or handed off sideways or backward to a teammate.
Unlike a forward pass, which is aimed toward the opponent’s end zone, a lateral pass is executed parallel or behind the line of scrimmage.
This fundamental maneuver is integral to the game’s offensive strategies, providing teams with a versatile tool for advancing the ball, evading defenders, and executing trick plays.
From its origins in rugby football to its evolution within the American football playbook, the lateral pass has become a staple tactic utilized at all levels of the sport.
Understanding the nuances of lateral passing enhances a player’s skill set and enriches the spectator’s appreciation for the complexity and strategic depth of football gameplay.
What Is a Lateral in Football?
Before you know a lateral pass, you must understand what a lateral one is in football. In American football, a “lateral” is a type of pass in which the ball is thrown or handed off sideways or backward rather than forwards.
It is a legal maneuver used to advance the ball down the field.
Lateral passes are commonly used when the ball carrier is under pressure and needs to get rid of the ball quickly or when executing trick plays designed to confuse the defense.
However, laterals can be risky, as a mishandled lateral can result in a fumble, turnover, or loss of yardage.
What Is A Lateral Pass In Football?
A lateral pass in football, or a lateral or a pitch, occurs when a player throws the ball sideways or backward to a teammate.
Unlike a forward pass, which moves the ball toward the opponent’s end zone, a lateral pass does not advance the ball down the field in terms of yardage gained.
Instead, it is typically used to maintain possession or create a new opportunity for advancing the ball.
In American football, lateral passes can be risky because if the ball is dropped or intercepted, the opposing team can recover possession of the ball.
However, when executed successfully, lateral passes can be an effective strategy for moving the ball around the field, especially in situations where the player with the ball is under pressure or has limited options for advancing.
Lateral passes are commonly used in various offensive formations, such as option plays, screen passes, and trick plays.
History of the Lateral Pass Football
The history of the lateral pass in football traces back to the sport’s early days in the late 19th century. As the game evolved from its rugby origins, lateral passing became a fundamental aspect of football strategy.
Here’s an elaboration on the history, along with some key points:
Origins in Rugby
The lateral pass is rooted in rugby football, where players can pass the ball sideways or backward to teammates.
When American football began to diverge from rugby in the late 19th century, this aspect of gameplay was retained and adapted to the new rules and strategies.
Early Innovations
In the early years of American football, lateral passing was primarily used to quickly move the ball laterally across the field to evade defenders or create openings in the defense.
Players would often execute laterals while running or under pressure from opposing players.
Strategic Evolution
Over time, coaches and teams incorporated lateral passing into their offensive schemes more deliberately.
They developed specific plays and formations designed to exploit the lateral pass, such as the option offense, where the quarterback can either pass the ball forward or laterally to a teammate.
Iconic Moments
The lateral pass has been the centerpiece of numerous iconic moments in football history.
From memorable trick plays in crucial moments of games to innovative offensive schemes that revolutionized the sport, the lateral pass has played a significant role in shaping the evolution of football strategy.
Rule Changes and Adaptations
The rules governing lateral passes have evolved alongside the game itself.
For example, in modern football, there are specific rules regarding what constitutes a legal lateral pass, including restrictions on the angle at which the ball can be thrown and the requirement that the receiver be behind the line of scrimmage when receiving the lateral.
Strategic Importance
Today, lateral passing remains integral to football strategy at all game levels, from youth leagues to the professional ranks.
Teams continue to develop innovative ways to incorporate laterals into their offensive schemes, keeping defenses on their toes and creating exciting moments for players and fans alike.
The history of the lateral pass in football is a story of innovation, strategic evolution, and the enduring appeal of a fundamental aspect of the game’s gameplay.
Purpose of Passe Latérale Football
The purpose of a lateral pass in football serves several strategic objectives:
Advancing the Ball
One of the primary purposes of a lateral pass is to advance the ball down the field.
When a player cannot move forward due to defensive pressure or is in danger of being tackled, executing a lateral pass allows them to quickly transfer possession to a teammate who may have a better chance of gaining yardage.
Evading Defenders
Lateral passes can be used as a tactic to evade defenders. By moving the ball laterally to a teammate, the offense can create space and exploit gaps in the defense.
This can be particularly effective when the defense is focused on pressuring the quarterback or stopping a specific ball carrier.
Trick Plays and Misdirection
Lateral passes are often incorporated into trick plays, and misdirection plays designed to confuse the defense.
By executing a series of laterals or a well-timed lateral pass, the offense can catch the defense off guard and create opportunities for significant gains or touchdowns.
Maintaining Possession
In some situations, a lateral pass may be used to maintain possession of the ball. For example, if a quarterback is about to be tackled and is in danger of fumbling, they may execute a lateral pass to a nearby teammate to avoid a turnover.
Creating Scoring Opportunities
Lateral passes can be instrumental in creating scoring opportunities. By moving the ball laterally across the field, the offense can stretch the defense and create openings for receivers to get open downfield or for ball carriers to find running lanes to the end zone.
A lateral pass in football aims to provide the offense with a versatile tool for advancing the ball, evading defenders, executing trick plays, maintaining possession, and ultimately creating scoring opportunities.
When used strategically, lateral passes can be an effective weapon in a team’s offensive arsenal.
Rules and Regulations in Football Lateral Pass
In football, lateral passes are subject to specific rules and regulations to ensure fair play and maintain the integrity of the game. Here are the fundamental rules and regulations governing lateral passes:
Backward Pass
A lateral pass must be thrown or handed off backward or parallel to the line of scrimmage. The ball cannot be thrown forward as a lateral pass; doing so would be considered an illegal forward pass.
Line of Scrimmage
The player receiving the lateral pass must be behind the line of scrimmage when the ball is lateraled. If the receiver is beyond the line of scrimmage when the lateral pass is made, it is considered an illegal forward pass.
Legal Receivers
Any eligible player on the offense can receive a lateral pass, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. However, linemen are typically ineligible to receive lateral passes.
Fumbles
If a lateral pass is mishandled and the ball touches the ground, it is considered a fumble. Any player from either team can recover a fumbled lateral pass, and possession will be awarded to the team that recovers the ball.
Interceptions
If the defense intercepts a lateral pass, the intercepting player gains possession of the ball, and the opposing team’s offense takes over at the spot of the interception.
Downfield Blocking
Offensive players can block downfield after a lateral pass, just as they would after any other type of pass. However, blocking below the waist or engaging in illegal blocks such as holding or clipping is still prohibited.
Penalties
Violations of the rules regarding lateral passes can result in penalties assessed against the offending team. Common penalties include illegal forward pass, illegal formation, and illegal touching.
Reviewable Plays
In some leagues or levels of play where instant replay is available, lateral passes and potential fumbles resulting from them may be subject to review by officials to determine possession and whether the lateral was legal.
Understanding and adhering to these rules and regulations is essential for players, coaches, and officials to ensure fair play and proper execution of lateral passes in football.
FAQs
What is a lateral pass in football?
Answer: A lateral pass, also known as a lateral, is a type of pass in football where the ball is thrown or handed off sideways or backward to a teammate. It differs from a forward pass thrown toward the opponent’s end zone.
When can a lateral pass be used?
A lateral pass can be used during football, typically to advance the ball laterally across the field or evade defenders.
It is commonly employed when the quarterback is under pressure or to execute trick plays designed to confuse the defense.
Is there a difference between a lateral pass and a backward pass?
No, a lateral pass and a backward pass are synonymous in football. Both refer to a pass where the ball is thrown or handed off sideways or backward.
The critical distinction is that lateral passes must not be thrown forward, which would constitute an illegal forward pass.
What happens if a lateral pass is dropped or fumbled?
If a lateral pass is mishandled and the ball touches the ground, it is considered a fumble. Any player from either team can recover the fumble, and possession will be awarded to the team that recovers the ball at the spot of the fumble.
Can any player perform a lateral pass?
Yes, any eligible player on the offensive team can perform a lateral pass, including quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends. However, linemen are typically ineligible to receive lateral passes due to their position on the field.
Wrapping Up
Understanding the concept of a lateral pass is fundamental to grasping the intricacies of football strategy.
This maneuver, involving a sideways or backward transfer of the ball between teammates, serves as a versatile tool for advancing the ball, evading defenders, and executing trick plays.
From its origins in rugby to its integration into modern football tactics, the lateral pass exemplifies the strategic evolution of the game.
Whether employed to maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, or add an element of surprise to offensive schemes, mastering the art of the lateral pass enhances a team’s arsenal and enriches the excitement of football gameplay.
