In football, a lateral is a type of pass where the ball is thrown sideways or backward to a teammate on the same team. It is also known as a lateral pass, a backward pass in American football, or an onside pass in Canadian football. A lateral pass is different from a forward pass, which is thrown towards the oppositions end zone. Here are some key points about laterals in football:
- A lateral pass does not advance the ball, unlike a forward pass, but it can be attempted from anywhere on the field by any player to any player at any time.
- Laterals are most commonly used by the quarterback, after taking the snap, to quickly transfer ("pitch") the ball a short distance to a nearby running back or, rarely, a wide receiver on a rushing play.
- Laterals can be part of a last-minute desperation strategy or a trick play.
- If a lateral is missed or dropped, it results in a fumble.
- Examples of plays utilizing the lateral pass are the toss, flea flicker, hook and lateral, and buck-lateral.
