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A pass is forward if the ball first strikes the ground, a player, an official or anything else beyond the spot where the ball is released. All other passes are backward (Rule 2-19-2a).
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To evaluate direction of a pass, use point of release to point of first touch (ground or player).
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Any intentional forward movement of the passer's hand with the ball firmly in control starts the forward pass. If a Team B player contacts the passer or ball after forward movement begins and the ball leaves the passer's hand, a forward pass is ruled regardless of where the ball strikes the ground or a player (Rule 2-19-2b).
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A ball touched by a defender while still in the passer's hand is a tipped ball.
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Intentional grounding pertains to forward passes. Replay can have intentional grounding flag picked up if the pass was backward.
