What is a lateral in football?

In football, a lateral is a type of pass in which the ball carrier throws or tosses the ball to a teammate who is behind or parallel to them, instead of throwing the ball forward. A lateral can be used to avoid an oncoming defender, to gain extra yardage, or to create a scoring opportunity. However, if the lateral is not executed properly and the ball is dropped or fumbled, it can result in a turnover and loss of possession. Lateral passes are often seen in option plays, trick plays, and in desperate situations such as at the end of a game when a team is trying to make a comeback.