A lateral pass is a type of throw in American football where the ball is thrown parallel to or behind the line of scrimmage. Unlike a forward pass, which must be thrown to a receiver in front of the quarterback, a lateral pass allows for more flexibility in moving the ball. This can help teams maintain possession and create opportunities for players to advance down the field. In a lateral pass, the ball can be caught by any player on the team, and it can be thrown multiple times during a single play. This strategy is often used in trick plays or when a team is trying to evade defenders and gain extra yards.