Underhanded Pass in American Football: Clarifying Lateral and Forward Pass Rules

One of the most intriguing aspects of American football is the flexibility and strategy involved in passing the ball. A critical question often arises: can a quarterback pass the ball underhanded? This article delves into the specifics, addressing common misconceptions and providing clarity on the rules governing this type of pass.

Basic Rules of Passes

In American football, the direction of the ball's trajectory is what differentiates a pass from a lateral. A quarterback is allowed to throw the ball underhanded as long as it's thrown forward. If the ball is thrown backward or parallel to the line of scrimmage, it is considered a lateral or backward pass. However, if the underhanded pass is directed forward, it is classified as a forward pass and is legal, provided certain conditions are met.

Forward Pass vs. Lateral

Passing the ball underhanded in a forward direction from behind the line of scrimmage is legally classified as a pass, not a lateral. Conversely, a lateral occurs only if the pass is made beyond the line of scrimmage. It's important to note that the direction of the throw, not the throwing style, determines whether the pass is forward or backward.

Throwing Motion and Line of Scrimmage

There are no restrictions on the throwing motion a quarterback can use. Whether it's overhand, underhand, sidearm, or any other style, the direction the ball travels when it leaves the quarterback's hand is what ultimately dictates whether it's considered a forward or backward pass. The key factor is the location of the quarterback in relation to the line of scrimmage. Once a quarterback crosses the line of scrimmage, they can throw the ball backward, but the throw must be considered a forward pass if it is made from behind the line.

Technique and Safety

The underhanded pass, often referred to by the media as a "shovel pass," is not only legal but also a safer method of transferring the ball to a back coming out of the backfield. If the ball is dropped during this type of pass, it's considered an incompletion rather than a live ball. This makes it a safer alternative to a pitch-out, where the ball becomes live upon release.

Play Design and Strategy

A quarterback can design plays with an underhanded pass in mind. While not a common strategy, it can be strategically employed to confuse the defense and create opportunities for quick gains or gains in yardage. The key is to ensure that the throw is forward and the recipient is behind the line of scrimmage.

Review of Lateral Calls

When a forward lateral is called by a referee, the crucial aspect is the location of the receiver when the ball is thrown, not when it is caught. If the receiver passes the thrower and then catches the ball, it does not nullify the forward lateral call. The review focuses on the position of the receiver at the moment of the throw.

Conclusion

Underhanded passing in American football, when directed forward from behind the line of scrimmage, is a legal and strategic maneuver. As long as the direction of the pass is forward, whether the quarterback uses an overhand, underhand, or any other throwing style, there are no restrictions. This flexibility provides quarterbacks with additional options to exploit the defense and advance the ball effectively.