Getting the ‘near hand’ up is one key part of knocking down a pass.

Football fans have watched the scenario play out many times.

Trailing on the scoreboard, an offense begins to march down the field as time dwindles away. The quarterback strings together two or three completions with the pass rush failing to get near the pocket. Then, with the momentum seemingly in its corner, the offense faces a critical third or fourth down. The rush comes off the line fast and furious, but a receiver breaks open for a quick-hitter. The fans see it, the quarterback sees it, and, bam, the ball is on the turf.

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