What Is a Lateral in Football: Essential Guide for Fans

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In the dynamic world of American football, a wide array of strategies and tactics are employed by teams to outmaneuver and outscore their opponents.

One such skill that can prove instrumental for both offense and defense is the lateral, a move that adds an element of spontaneity and unpredictability to the game.

A lateral in football refers to a sideways or backward pass made between players on the same team.

The key, therefore, is understanding the intricacies of this move, and effectively leveraging it in the heat of the game. As we delve deeper into the subject of laterals, be prepared to discover how this technique has played an integral role in the history of American football, and how it continues to shape the landscape of the sport today.

Defining a Lateral in Football

A lateral in football refers to a specific type of pass that occurs when the ball carrier throws the football to a teammate in a direction parallel to or away from the opponents’ goal line.

This means that the ball is either moving sideways or slightly backward on the field. Laterals can be executed at any time during a play, provided the ball moves in the required direction.

There are a few key differences between a lateral and a forward pass. In a forward pass, the ball is thrown toward the opponents’ goal line, and certain restrictions apply, such as only one forward pass being allowed per play from behind the line of scrimmage. On the other hand, there are no restrictions on the number of lateral passes that can be executed during a play.

Here are some characteristics of a lateral pass in football:

  • The ball is thrown sideways or slightly backward
  • Can be executed at any time during a play
  • Results in a fumble if dropped or missed
  • No limit on the number of lateral passes in a play

One common instance where a lateral is used is during an option play, where the quarterback has the option to either run with the ball, hand it off, or pitch it to a teammate running alongside or behind him.

This type of play can be particularly effective in confusing the defense and gaining additional yardage.

It is important for players to be familiar with the nuances of laterals, as improper execution can result in fumbles, lost yardage, or turnovers.

Mastering this skill can open up new offensive strategies and maximize a team’s potential for success on the field.

Types of Laterals

In football, laterals are an important aspect of the game that allows for creative offensive strategies and unexpected plays.

There are two main types of laterals: the backward pass and the handoff. In this section, we’ll explore both types, their differences, and their implementation on the field.

Backward Pass

A backward pass, sometimes referred to as a lateral pass, occurs when the ball carrier throws the football to a teammate in a direction parallel to or away from the opponents’ goal line.

This type of pass is crucial in certain trick plays and when trying to advance down the field during a desperate situation, such as a final attempt to score a touchdown.

Key points about backward passes:

  • The pass must be thrown parallel to or away from the opponents’ goal line.
  • It can be performed by any player on the field, not just the quarterback.
  • If not caught, the ball is live and considered a fumble, which can be recovered by any team.

Handoff


A handoff is another type of lateral that involves the ball carrier transferring the football directly to a teammate without throwing it.

This is common in running plays, where the quarterback hands the ball off to a running back who then tries to gain yardage and avoid defenders.

Handoffs can be executed in various ways:

  • Between the quarterback and a running back or wide receiver.
  • In a reverse play, where one player hands the ball off to another running in the opposite direction.
  • During a misdirection play, where multiple players simulate receiving the ball to confuse defenders.

To summarize, laterals in football come in two main forms: backward passes and handoffs. Both types of laterals serve specific purposes and enhance the game’s strategic depth.

Understanding their differences and applications can lead to more effective plays and exciting game moments.

When to Use a Lateral

In football, a lateral is a sideways or backward pass between players on the same team. There are different situations in which a lateral can be used effectively.

This section discusses two primary scenarios: planned plays and scramble situations.

Planned Plays

Coaches sometimes design specific offensive plays that rely on lateral passes to create confusion among the defenders or gain yardage:

  • Option plays: These plays involve the quarterback making a decision in real-time to either keep the ball and run or pitch it to a teammate.
  • Typically, the quarterback reads the defense and laterals the ball to a running back or wide receiver if it looks like a successful play can be made.
  • Trick plays: Lateral passes can be a part of trick plays meant to catch the defense off guard. One example is the hook-and-ladder play, where a receiver catches a forward pass from the quarterback and then laterals the ball to a trailing teammate to continue advancing down the field.

Scramble Situations

In less structured situations, a lateral can be a last-minute decision made by a player to avoid being tackled or extend the play:

  • Avoiding loss of yardage: If a quarterback is about to be sacked, they may throw a lateral pass to a nearby teammate to avoid the loss of yardage.
  • This can be a risky move, as it might result in a fumble if the teammate is unable to catch the ball.
  • Extending the play: A player might lateral the ball to a teammate if they anticipate being tackled or surrounded by defenders, and it looks like their teammate has a better chance to advance further or score.

In both planned plays and scramble situations, it’s essential to remember the rules surrounding lateral passes. The most critical rule is that the ball must move parallel or away from the goal line.

An illegal forward pass will result in a penalty if a player throws the ball forward beyond the line of scrimmage or throws a second forward pass from behind the line after the ball has returned behind the line.

Iconic Lateral Plays in History

One of the most famous lateral plays in football history is known as “The Miracle at the Meadowlands.” This play happened on November 19, 1978, in a game between the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles. I

n the final seconds of the game, the Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled a handoff. Eagles defensive back Herman Edwards scooped up the ball and lateraled it to his teammate, who scored a touchdown to win the game.

Another iconic lateral play is the “River City Relay.” This play occurred on December 21, 2003, during a game between the New Orleans Saints and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

With time running out, the Saints completed a 75-yard pass downfield.

The receiver then lateraled the ball to a teammate, who lateraled it again to another player, who sprinted toward the end zone.

The series of laterals eventually led to a touchdown, although the Saints ultimately lost the game due to a missed extra point.

In college football, one of the most famous lateral plays is the “Band is on the Field” play during the 1982 game between the University of California and Stanford University.

Stanford led by one point and kicked off as time expired. Cal fielded the kick, lateraling the ball five times on their way to a stunning and controversial touchdown, clinching victory as the Stanford band prematurely stormed the field, resulting in chaos.

These plays, among others, serve as legendary examples of the excitement and unpredictability that the lateral pass can bring into the game of football.

Conclusion

A lateral pass in football is a type of pass where the football is thrown sideways or slightly backward on the field. Unlike forward passes, lateral passes can be performed at any time as long as the ball moves parallel or away from the goal line that the original ball carrier was running toward.

Lateral passes are legal and considered a handoff, not a forward pass, and they can be thrown by any player in possession of the ball. If a lateral pass is missed or dropped, it results in a fumble, and play continues.