What it is

A hook and lateral is a trick play in which a receiver catches a short pass, turns back, and tosses the ball sideways or backward to a teammate who is running past.

In a game

The second player has space to run because the defense stops chasing the receiver. It can turn a small gain into a long one.

More detail

It needs perfect timing and trust. The risk is a dropped lateral, which can become a turnover, so teams use it as a last-minute or surprise tool.

Animated diagram

1. A receiver runs 10 yards upfield, turns back and catches a short pass.
2. As the defenders close on him, he tosses the ball to a teammate running behind him.
3. The second player has open space and runs for a long gain.