Forward or Backward Pass

[bwilldrd]

Bear with me,

Players A and B are running down field (already past the line of scrimmage). B trails A by 2 yards. A passes the ball to B. The direction of the pass (relative to passer) is clearly backwards, but because both players are running, the flight of the ball is forward.

Basically, is forward/backward judged relative to players or relative to marks on the field?

Does the answer differ in HS, NCAA, NFL?

Thanks

[Mike Simonds]

The initial direction of the pass determines whether it is a backward or forward pass. The definition of a forward pass is one that is towards the opponent's end line. The definition of a backward pass is one that is parallel with the line of scrimmage or towards the passer's end line.

Therefore, to answer your question, the initial direction of the pass relative to field markings determines whether it is a forward or backward pass.

A is a player on the team that snaps the ball to begin a play. B is the opponent. In your example, I believe you should designate the players as A1 and A2.

[jfurdell]

In NFHS, it's the initial direction of the pass that determines whether it's forward or backward.

In NCAA, the pass is considered forward if it touches the ground, a player, an official, or anything beyond the spot of the pass.

(The only potential thing I see making a difference here is a strong wind blowing an initially forward pass backwards.)

In either case, your first player is "laying the ball up" for the second player. If the flight of the ball is towards the opponent's goal line (NFHS) or the receiver touches the ball past the point where it was released (NCAA), it's a forward pass. The passer has to make sure the ball actually travels backwards.