This is a very clever play that can often catch an opponent off guard. It's critical that your players execute the lateral or backward pass properly and that the officials are aware it's a legal play.

From the shotgun, the quarterback rolls right and acts as if he's going to throw to the two receivers downfield. The QB turns left and throws a backward pass or lateral to the left offensive guard who's dropped back into the backfield after initially pass blocking.

After securing the ball, the left OG reads the defense and can either run or throw to the left wide receiver who's running a deep route. The receiver will often be open as the defense usually comes up after the lateral/backwards pass.

—Bruce Eien, Brethren Christian High School, Garden Grove, Calif.