How is it determined if a pass is backward?

The determination of whether a pass is backward hinges on the initial trajectory of the ball when it is thrown. If the ball's initial direction is parallel to or moving away from the opponent's goal line, then the pass is considered backward. This concept is essential in football because it affects the rules regarding fumbles, recoveries, and subsequent plays.

When a pass is classified as backward, it allows the receiving player to attempt to catch or recover the ball without the risk of it being ruled as an incomplete pass, as would be the case with a forward pass. This nuanced distinction is foundational to understanding play developments in football and adhering to the regulations in the NFHS rules.

The other options do not correctly address how backward passes are determined. For instance, simply throwing the ball from the middle of the field does not dictate its direction, and being outside the pocket is irrelevant to the classification of the pass itself. Similarly, a handoff is a different type of play altogether and does not pertain to pass directionality. Thus, focusing on the initial direction of the ball is crucial for correctly identifying passes as backward.