How Scoring Works in American Football

There are several ways to score in American football, either during regular gameplay or overtime. These ways include touchdown, conversion, safety, and field goal. Let’s describe the scoring methods here that can lead a team to the coveted victory.

The team with the most points at the end of the game wins. If the match is tied at the end of regular time, it goes into overtime. In American football overtime, sudden death occurs, meaning the first team to score wins the game. The most common way to score in overtime is through a field goal.

What Is a Touchdown?

A touchdown is worth 6 points. It is scored when the ball is carried beyond the opponent’s goal line or when it is received in the end zone by an offensive player.

To score a touchdown in American football, it’s necessary to carry the ball beyond the opponent’s goal line or receive the ball in the end zone. The ball carrier must possess the ball and cross the goal line with it to score a touchdown.

What Is an Extra Point in American Football?

After scoring a touchdown in American football, the team that scored can choose to attempt a kick from the two-yard line. This is known as an extra point (also called PAT or point after touchdown). If the kick is successful, the team’s score increases by one point. Otherwise, the ball possession is handed over to the opposing team at the spot of the touchdown.

The extra point was introduced in 1874 and was originally worth five points. However, in 1905, this value was changed to one point. Since then, the extra point is attempted after every touchdown, unless the scoring team opts for a two-point conversion.

The extra point is a relatively easy kick but is not always successful. The average conversion rate of the extra point in the NFL is about 93%. However, there have been moments when the extra point was missed, which can have a significant impact on the game’s result.

What Is a Two-Point Conversion in American Football?

In American football, the two-point conversion is an attempt to score two points after a touchdown. The two-point conversion is attempted instead of the extra point, which is worth one point. To attempt a two-point conversion, the scoring team must take the ball to the end zone from the two-yard line. The ball can be run or passed into the end zone. If the ball is successfully marked, the team’s score increases by two points. Otherwise, ball possession is handed over to the opposing team at the spot of the touchdown. The two-point conversion was introduced in 1929 and was initially attempted only in college football. However, the two-point conversion was adopted by the NFL in 1994. The two-point conversion is a riskier scoring opportunity than the extra point, but it’s also more rewarding. The average two-point conversion rate in the NFL is about 47%. However, there have been moments when the two-point conversion was successful, which can have a significant impact on the game’s result.

What Is a Field Goal and How Does It Happen?

In American football, a field goal is a scoring play worth 3 points. It is scored when the ball is kicked between the opponent’s goalposts. The goalposts are two vertical pillars that are 18 feet (5.48m) high and 10 feet (3 meters) apart. The crossbar is a horizontal bar that is 10 feet above the ground. The ball must pass through the crossbar and between the goalposts to be considered a successful field goal.

A field goal can be attempted from anywhere on the field but is most commonly attempted from the 30-yard line, which is equivalent to 27.43 meters away. The closer the ball is to the goalposts, the easier it is to kick a field goal.

To attempt a field goal, the kicker* positions behind the ball and kicks it with the foot. The kicker must kick the ball with enough force to send it between the goalposts. The kicker must also kick the ball accurately for it to pass through the crossbar and between the goalposts.

Field goals are an important part of American football. They can be used to score points when the offense fails to reach the end zone. Field goals can also be used to tie the game or take the lead in the final minutes of the match.

*The Placekicker or simply kicker is responsible for kicking the ball for field goal attempts, extra points, and also kickoffs.

What Is Safety?

In American football, a safety represents a 2-point score. It is recorded when the ball carrier is tackled in their own end zone or when a fumble occurs in the end zone, and the opposing team recovers it.

To get a safety, the defensive team needs to make the offensive team commit an infraction in their own end zone. The most common infractions that result in a safety are:

Tackle in the end zone: If the ball carrier is tackled in their own end zone, the defensive team is rewarded with a safety.

Fumble in the end zone: If the ball carrier drops the ball in their own end zone, and it’s recovered by the opposing team, the defensive team is rewarded with a safety.

Illegal forward pass: If the offensive team throws a forward pass that is intercepted in their own end zone, the defensive team is rewarded with a safety.

Although safety is a relatively rare scoring play, it can represent a crucial moment in the game. If the defensive team scores a safety, it can put the offensive team in a disadvantageous situation.

Understanding the scoring mechanisms in American football is crucial to appreciate the intricacies of the game. From touchdowns to field goals, each scoring method has its nuances and strategic importance. Whether it’s the thrilling chase for a touchdown or the precision of a successful field goal, every point adds to the excitement and intensity of the sport. Scoring in football is not just about numbers but about the tactical maneuvers, split-second decisions, and coordinated efforts that can turn the tide of a match. Knowing the different ways to score helps fans and players alike appreciate the multifaceted nature of this dynamic and beloved sport.