During which type of play is a loose ball action permitted?

Loose ball action is permitted during legal forward passes and backward passes because these types of plays involve situations where the ball is not in the possession of a player but is still in play and can be recovered by any player on either team. In the case of a forward pass, the ball is thrown, and if it is not caught, it becomes a live ball that can be recovered by any eligible player. Similarly, when a backward pass occurs, the ball is also live and can be picked up by teammates or opponents.

This understanding of loose ball action is essential for grasping the dynamics of how the game operates during various play types. While free or scrimmage kicks, run plays, or situations when the ball is in possession may involve different rules regarding possession, they do not allow the same breadth of loose ball action as passing plays do.