Yes, a receiver can pass the ball in football, but only under very specific conditions, primarily as part of a trick play and if they receive the ball behind the line of scrimmage.
Understanding Passing Rules in Football
In American football, the rules governing who can throw a pass and when are quite strict to maintain fair play and strategic balance. Generally, the quarterback is the player designated to throw a forward pass from behind the line of scrimmage. However, the rules do allow other players, including receivers, to execute passes under certain circumstances.
When a Receiver Can Legally Pass the Ball
The opportunity for a receiver to pass the ball typically arises from a strategic play designed to surprise the defense. These are commonly known as "trick plays."
- Trick Play Scenarios: In even rarer cases, receivers may pass the ball as part of an outright trick play. These plays often involve a handoff or a backward lateral pass from the quarterback to another player (like a running back or receiver) who then makes a forward pass.
- Conditions for a Legal Pass: For a receiver (or any non-quarterback) to legally make a forward pass, two main conditions must be met:
- Behind the Line of Scrimmage: The receiver must receive the ball behind the line of scrimmage, typically in the form of a handoff or a backward lateral.
- Pass from Behind the Line of Scrimmage: The receiver must then throw the ball forward while still behind the line of scrimmage. Once a player crosses the line of scrimmage, they cannot legally throw a forward pass.
- One Forward Pass Rule: Only one forward pass is allowed per down. If a forward pass has already been thrown, no other player can throw another forward pass in the same down. Backward passes (laterals), however, can be thrown anywhere on the field by any player as many times as desired.
Examples of Receiver Passes
While rare, these plays can be highly effective:
- "Double Pass" or "Flea Flicker": This involves the quarterback handing off or tossing the ball backward to a running back or receiver, who then throws it back to the quarterback or another eligible receiver downfield.
- "End Around Pass": A receiver comes across the formation, takes a handoff, and instead of running, stops and throws a forward pass to an open teammate.
Illegal Passes by Receivers
Understanding when a receiver cannot pass is just as important:
- Across the Line of Scrimmage: A receiver cannot throw a forward pass after advancing beyond the line of scrimmage. Doing so results in an illegal forward pass penalty.
- Second Forward Pass: If a forward pass has already occurred during the down (e.g., the quarterback initially threw a forward pass), a receiver cannot throw another forward pass.
- Eligibility: Only eligible receivers can catch a forward pass. While a receiver can throw a legal forward pass under specific conditions, they must throw it to another eligible receiver.
For more detailed information on NFL passing rules, you can refer to the NFL Rulebook.
Summary: Legal vs. Illegal Passes by a Receiver
| Type of Pass | Condition for Receiver's Pass | Legality |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Pass | Received the ball behind the line of scrimmage (handoff/lateral) AND Thrown from behind the line of scrimmage | Legal |
| Forward Pass | Thrown after crossing the line of scrimmage | Illegal |
| Forward Pass | A second forward pass in the same down | Illegal |
| Backward Pass | Thrown anywhere on the field, any time | Legal |
In conclusion, while not a primary function, a receiver can indeed pass the ball in football, making for exciting and unpredictable moments when executed within the rules.
