Definition: A "lateral pass" is a type of pass in sports, especially in football. It happens when a player throws the ball to a teammate who is either next to them or slightly behind them, rather than throwing it forward. This means the ball goes sideways or backward, not forward.
In advanced discussions about football strategies, you might hear about "lateral passing" as a technique to confuse the defense. Coaches often design plays that include lateral passes to create openings for players to run with the ball.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "lateral pass," but you might hear phrases like "make a lateral move," which means to shift sideways in a job or role without moving up or down in rank.
In summary, a "lateral pass" is a sideways or backward throw in football, used to strategically move the ball and create opportunities for players to advance.