ScottishRoyalRow Z Royal When a defender slices a clearance, it's not a pass back to the 'keeper so said 'keeper can do what he like with it.
When the defender clearly and deliberately passes back to the 'keeper, then, funnily enough, that's a back pass.
Most 'keepers wallop it away so as to remove any doubt or because there isn't time to check with the ref.
I know what a back pass is and you're not addressing the point by the way. An indirect free kick for a back pass can only be given if the 'keeper catches or holds the ball.
Oh, and
RZR is right. Does anyone remember when Simon Sheppard had to do a bicycle kick to stop a back pass, think it was away to Southend.