We had a test last night with a question I'm not sure about.

"The first pass of a double pass must always be a backward pass?" True or False.

The question references rule 7-5-2, "A second or subsequent forward pass thrown during a down" is an illegal forward pass.

I answered false because if the first pass is forward but still in or behind the NZ can't another pass be throw if it is backward? Say the QB drops back a few steps, throws to the Split-End who is a step behind the NZ who then throws a backward pass to a running back on the other side of the field. Doubt I would see it but wouldn't that be a legal play?

The answer was true, by the way.

You are semi-correct in your analysis. A ball can be thrown backward at any time - behind or beyond the NZ. Example: The old hook and ladder play that still works on occasions.

A better arguement to support your idea might be the old "hook and lateral" play. The first being a forward pass well beyond the line of scrimmage and the second a backward pass.

I would however, think the question was written poorly and the intent was to cover the new rule change eliminating a second forward pass during a down.

My apologies... I guess act was hitting the submit button while I was still typing.

If anyone has the key to the Federation Part II test, taken last Wednesday night (Sep 7), could you post it so we can check our answers?

i think you were correct in answering False. The key word that made the question False is "must"

Thanks, I thought I was right and I forgot about the "hook and lateral". I agree, it was a poorly written question and the intent was that 2 forward passes is illegal.