Madden 23 screenshot of nick chubb running past ravens defender
Image via EA Tiburon

How to Lateral Pass in Madden 23

Beware, this special move is not for the faint-hearted

Generally speaking, there are two types of passes in Madden 23; a forward pass and a lateral pass. A forward pass is when the ball is thrown past the line of scrimmage and into the hands of a receiver down the field. Whereas a lateral pass (or a backward/onside pass) is when the ball carrier throws the ball to any teammate behind or directly next to him.

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In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about how to lateral pass in Madden 23.

How to Lateral Pass in Madden 23

With such an emphasis on ball control and possession, you rarely see lateral passes in the modern NFL. They are most commonly used by the quarterback to quickly pitch the ball a short distance to the nearby running back or wide receiver. Alternatively, laterals are also seen as part of a last-ditch effort to win the game in the closing moments or as a trick play.

Related: How to Stiff Arm in Madden 23

Unfortunately, the lateral pass is also one of the most difficult moves in Madden 23. If you’re able to get the timing and execution down, then it could result in a game-defining play. However, if you make even the slightest mistake, it could cost you possession of the football and subsequently the game.

To perform a lateral pass in Madden 23, you simply need to;

  • Press LB (for Xbox) or L1 (for PlayStation) when the ball is in your hands

This move will effectively hand the ball off to the closest teammate. You can also use the left analog stick to aim where you’d like the pass to go. That being said, if the lateral pass falls incomplete, then it will be considered a live ball and can be recovered by your opponent. Unlike a forward pass which results in a dead ball once the ball hits the turf. So, its certainly a high-risk, high-reward type of play.

That’s everything you need to know about how to lateral pass in Madden 23. If you’re interested in more Madden content, be sure to check out our guides section here at Gamer Journalist. Where you can find information like how to intercept in Madden 23 or the best quarterbacks in Madden 23.

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Image of Rowan Fisher-Shotton
Rowan Fisher-Shotton
Rowan enjoys all things sports and has experience covering NBA, NFL, NCAA, and MMA, along with sports gambling.