Can you pass the ball backwards in the NFL? What famous examples are there?

You're used to seeing quarterbacks launch deep throws downfield, but what happens when the ball goes in the opposite direction?

NFL teams can legally throw the ball backward, a move known as a lateral, and it follows a different set of rules than a forward pass.

DAZN News takes a closer look at how backward passes work, when teams use them, and a few examples that have gone down in history.

What is a backwards pass?

Put simply, a backwards pass is when the ball is thrown or handed off to a teammate who is either behind or exactly level with the player releasing it.

Any player on the field can attempt a backwards pass.

What rules apply to a backwards pass?

Balls thrown backwards in the NFL are less common because they carry a greater risk.

If a backward pass is incomplete, the ball is still live and can be recovered by either team, making the catch of a backward pass vitally important.

There is also no limit on the number of backwards passes that can be made in any one play, unlike forward passes, which are limited to one per play.

A direct snap to a player in the backfield, a muffed hand-to-hand snap, or a snap that is untouched by any player are deemed to be backward passes, and as a result, the ball remains live.

If a backwards pass misses its receiver and goes out of bounds, the next play will be marked from where the ball left the field of play - unlike a forward pass, which would just be ruled incomplete.

Which famous backwards passes have there been?

Backwards passes, or plays which contain more than one, more often occur on the final play of a game when the team in possession is trailing by one score and needing a touchdown.

Usually, these types of plays are broken up quickly, but sometimes they can lead to memorable game-winning plays.

One of the most famous recent examples has since been nicknamed 'The Miracle in Miami' as the Miami Dolphins made two backwards passes on the final play of the game to stun division rivals New England Patriots.

The legendary wide receiver Randy Moss pulled off one of the greatest backwards passes of all time back in 2003.

Unlike the 'Miracle in Miami,' this improvised play came to an end in the first half as the Minnesota Vikings scored against the Denver Broncos.

Not all backwards passes have to come at the end of a half for a score.

Here is current Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce making a backwards pass early in the fourth quarter.

Click this link for more details about other NFL rules and objectives .

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