Passing Game

Question
What is the difference between a forward lateral and a shovel pass from the QB? One is illegal and the other one isn't, why?

Answer
-A forward pass is a pass to a receiver downfield, and must be made from behind the line of scrimmage.  Beyond the line of scrimmage, passes laterally and behind the passer are allowed ("laterals"), but a forward pass from beyond the line of scrimmage (forward lateral) is an illegal forward pass, not a lateral.  In the NFL, the penalty is five yards and loss of down.

-A shovel pass (variant "shuffle") is a description of the passer's mechanics: a short pass where the the ball is flipped or pushed out from the chest (like a basketball pass).  The short forward flip to James Mongroe that Peyton Manning broke Dan Marino's single season passing record is an example of a shovel pass.  

Hope that helped.