Catch behind line

The phrase “catch behind the line” isn’t a common expression in American football, but it typically refers to a reception (catch) made by a receiver or running back behind the line of scrimmage (the point at which the ball was snapped).

The quarterback may throw to a receiver behind the line of scrimmage on numerous offensive plays, particularly screen passes or jet sweeps. After catching the ball, the player attempts to gain yardage and progress past the line of scrimmage.

It is also worth mentioning that catching the ball behind the line of scrimmage has rules ramifications. A forward pass caught behind the line of scrimmage, for example, can still be thrown forward if the second throw is likewise made from behind the line of scrimmage.