What is a Hail Mary pass in football?
What the term means
The name is a nickname that describes a throw that is more like a prayer than a planned play. It is a deep pass, often thrown toward the end zone, with several receivers and defenders crowded together. Because so many players are involved, the odds of a clean catch are usually small.
The play is used only when time is almost gone and the team is trailing by enough points that a field goal or a short drive will not be enough. A successful Hail Mary can change the outcome of a game in seconds.
- Used when time is nearly gone
- Usually a deep pass toward the end zone
- Often crowded and hard to complete
- Needed when a team must score to win or tie
Common situations
Coaches most often call a Hail Mary at the end of the first half or at the end of a game. The quarterback throws the ball high and far, hoping a receiver can get position on the defender and catch it in the end zone.
Success depends on timing, the quarterback's arm, and whether a receiver can win the battle for the ball. Many Hail Mary attempts are incomplete, but the play is still worth trying when the alternative is a loss.
Common mistakes
- Thinking any long pass is a Hail Mary; the term refers to a specific desperation play.
- Assuming a Hail Mary is always thrown into the end zone; the target can be any spot where a catch might score.
