1. throwing or passing a ball sideways or backward to a teammate
Usage: sports; American football

Examples

• The quarterback was lateraling the ball to avoid being tackled.
• She practiced lateraling to her teammates during rugby drills.
• The running back started lateraling when he saw defenders approaching.
• Lateraling can be risky but sometimes creates scoring opportunities.
• The coach taught the players when lateraling is most effective.
• He was lateraling the ball just before crossing the sideline.