Backward pass O/B

[Tom Cook]

In one of the football articles on the main page, the author states that a backward pass going out of bounds behind B's (Defense) goal line would be a touchback.
I'm at a loss to understand how a backward pass could go out of bounds behind B's goal. Any ideas??

[STEVED21]

As long as the pass started backwards, it is a backward pass. If it hits the ground and bounces forward through the end zone it would be a touchback. 1st and 10 for B on the 20. Of course it would happen very close to the goal line.

It's a highly unlikely play, but that's how it can happen.

[mikesears]

As John Madden used to say, "That football is shaped funny and doesn't alway bounce the way it's supposed to bounce" or something like that :-)

[Tom Cook]

Good point! I hadn't thought of that. We can only hope that it happens in somebody else's game.

[Rick KY]

Imagine an option play where A1 pitches back to A2, and A2 muffs the backward pass such that it lands in the corner of the EZ, and bounces OOB behind B's goal line. Backward Pass, Touchback!