What is football hook and ladder?

In football, a hook and ladder is a trick play designed to confuse the opposing team and gain yardage. The play begins with a long pass or throw to a receiver, who catches the ball and immediately laterals or pitches the ball to another player running alongside or behind them. This second player then catches the lateral and runs with the ball in hopes of gaining more yardage.

The hook and ladder play requires precise timing, quick thinking, and teamwork. It is often used as a last resort when a team is trailing late in the game and needs a big play to score quickly. Some famous examples of the hook and ladder play include Boise State's game-winning touchdown against Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl, and the Miami Dolphins' "Miracle in Miami" game-winning play against the New England Patriots in 2018.