Yes you can advance a lateral. Here is the rule:
Section 4 Backward Pass and Fumble
Article 1
A runner may pass backward at any time (3-21-4).
(a) An offensive player may catch a backward pass or recover it after the pass touches
the ground and advance.
(b) A defensive player may catch a backward pass or recover it after the pass touches
the ground and advance.
(a) An offensive player may catch a backward pass or recover it after the pass touches
the ground and advance.
(b) A defensive player may catch a backward pass or recover it after the pass touches
the ground and advance.
Note: A direct snap from center is treated as a backward pass. A muffed hand-to-hand
snap from center is treated as a fumble by the quarterback.
snap from center is treated as a fumble by the quarterback.
Really? Do you have a source for that. Not trying to get into an argument, but just want clarification. This is from the NFL rules that I found:
<!-- subheader begin --> <!-- subheader begin -->
<!-- subheader end--> <!-- 15px vertical spacer --> <!-- col1 begin --> <!-- TABLE INFO - 720px START--> Digest of Rules Main
Backward Pass
- Any pass not forward is regarded as a backward pass. A pass parallel to the line is a backward pass. A runner may pass backward at any time.
- A backward pass that strikes the ground can be recovered and advanced by either team.
- A backward pass caught in the air can be advanced by either team.
- A backward pass in flight may not be batted forward by an offensive player.
not true
Digest of Rules Main
Backward Pass
Digest of Rules Main
Backward Pass
- Any pass not forward is regarded as a backward pass. A pass parallel to the line is a backward pass. A runner may pass backward at any time.
- A backward pass that strikes the ground can be recovered and advanced by either team.
- A backward pass caught in the air can be advanced by either team.
- A backward pass in flight may not be batted forward by an offensive player.
I think they need to be more clear on this rule:
A backward pass in flight may not be batted forward by an offensive player.
So a defensive player can bat it fwd? But then what? And what happens if an offensive player bats it fwd--is it no longer a backward lateral then because an offensive player can't "bat it forward"?
A backward pass in flight may not be batted forward by an offensive player.
So a defensive player can bat it fwd? But then what? And what happens if an offensive player bats it fwd--is it no longer a backward lateral then because an offensive player can't "bat it forward"?
