Flea flicker

[1] It can be considered an extreme variant of the play-action pass and an extension of the halfback option play.

The elaborate back-and-forth with the ball also gives time for receivers to get downfield, opening up an opportunity for a long completion.

Despite the potential for a very big play when running a flea flicker, the play takes a long time to develop, meaning it often ends in disaster when run against a strong pass rush.

Illinois coach Bob Zuppke is credited with the play's invention:[4][5][6] the flea flicker made its debut in Illinois' 1925 game against Penn as a fake field goal with Earl Britton, Red Grange, and Chuck Kassel.

The receiver then laterals the ball again back to the quarterback, who typically takes a shot deep downfield.