What it is

A forward pass is thrown from beyond the line of scrimmage, or a team throws a second forward pass on the same play.

The penalty

The penalty is 5 yards and loss of down. The penalty is enforced from the spot of the foul.

More detail

Only one forward pass is allowed per play, and it has to be thrown from behind the line of scrimmage. Lateral passes, thrown sideways or backward, are not forward passes and can be thrown by anyone at any time.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The quarterback leaves the pocket and runs forward.
2. He crosses the line of scrimmage and then throws a forward pass. Forward passes must be thrown from behind the line.
3. The officials flag it: five yards and loss of down.