American football, with its blend of strategy and athleticism, can seem intricate to newcomers. While there are various ways to put points on the board, the touchdown reigns supreme as the most significant scoring play. Understanding how many points a touchdown is worth is fundamental to grasping the game itself.
In American football, a touchdown is worth 6 points. This is the highest point value awarded for a single play outside of extraordinary circumstances. Following a touchdown, the scoring team gets an opportunity to increase their score further with either an extra point kick or a two-point conversion attempt.
This article will delve into the point value of a touchdown, explain why it’s considered the most critical scoring element in football, and explore the other ways teams can score in this exciting sport.
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Ways to Score in Football: Beyond the Touchdown
In football, points are accumulated by advancing the ball into the opponent’s end zone or through successful kicks. Interestingly, even the defense can contribute to the score.
Here’s a breakdown of all the scoring methods in football:
| Scoring Method | Points Awarded |
|---|---|
| Touchdown | 6 Points |
| Field Goal | 3 Points |
| Safety | 2 Points |
| 2-Point Conversion (After Touchdown) | 2 Points |
| Point After Touchdown (PAT) | 1 Point |
The Touchdown: 6 Points and Gridiron Glory
As highlighted in the table, a touchdown is worth six points. Achieving a touchdown is not just about the points; it’s a significant momentum swing in a football game. A touchdown puts pressure on the opposing team, forcing them to respond in kind to keep pace.
The football field is marked with goal lines at each end, 100 yards apart. Extending beyond each goal line is the end zone. For an offensive team to score a touchdown, they must advance the football across the opponent’s goal line and into their end zone.
Unlike some other sports where grounding the ball is required, in football, the ball simply needs to break the plane of the goal line while in the possession of a player. This can be achieved by running the ball across, catching a pass in the end zone, or even recovering a fumble in the end zone. As long as the ball, in possession of a player, crosses that goal line, it’s a touchdown and six points are awarded.
Pylons, those bright orange markers at the corners of the end zone, are visual aids for referees. They help officials, positioned on the sidelines, determine if a player has indeed crossed the goal line.
Field position is paramount in football because the closer a team is to the opponent’s end zone, the higher their chances of scoring a touchdown. Gaining favorable field position is a constant battle throughout the game.
Ultimately, touchdowns are game-changers. The team that scores more touchdowns generally has a much greater probability of winning the football game.
Extending the Score: Points After a Touchdown
After celebrating a touchdown and adding 6 points to the scoreboard, the scoring team has the option to attempt a Point After Touchdown (PAT) to further increase their lead. This presents two choices: a 1-point PAT or a 2-point conversion.
The 1-Point PAT: The Extra Point Kick
The 1-point PAT, often called the extra point, is executed by kicking a field goal. While it might seem counterintuitive that a field goal is only worth one point after a touchdown, it’s considered a higher percentage play than the 2-point conversion.
Teams typically employ specialized kickers who are highly skilled at kicking the ball through the uprights of the goalpost. This is why, in the vast majority of cases (around 99% at the professional level), teams opt for the 1-point PAT kick after a touchdown. It’s a reliable way to add an extra point.
Although seemingly straightforward, the extra point kick isn’t automatic. Missed extra points do occur and can have significant implications, potentially changing the game’s outcome, especially in close contests.
The 2-Point Conversion: Going for Two
The 2-point conversion offers a more daring approach. Instead of kicking, the scoring team can run a play from the 3-yard line. They have one play to get the ball back into the end zone, just like scoring another touchdown, but this time it’s worth two points.
This can be achieved by running the ball into the end zone or completing a pass in the end zone. However, 2-point conversions are inherently riskier. They require successful blocking and precise execution, and failure means no additional points are awarded.
The decision to go for one or two points often depends on game strategy, score differential, and the team’s confidence in their short-yardage offense. While the extra point is generally the safer bet, the 2-point conversion can be a valuable tool in specific game situations.
Field Goals: Three Points at a Time
Field goals are another method of scoring, worth 3 points. There are two primary scenarios for field goals in football. The first, as discussed, is the PAT after a touchdown (1 point). The second type, and the one worth 3 points, is a standard field goal attempt during regular play.
A 3-point field goal can be attempted at any point during a team’s offensive drive. Often, teams will attempt a field goal on fourth down if they are within reasonable kicking distance of the goalposts. This is typically when they are too far from the end zone to realistically get a first down but close enough to attempt a kick.
These 3-point field goals are generally more challenging than extra points because they are kicked from further away and often at more difficult angles. Coaches must weigh the odds of successfully making the field goal against the potential reward of going for a first down and potentially a touchdown.
While a field goal provides valuable points, touchdowns are always the preferred scoring method. Teams that rely solely on field goals and struggle to score touchdowns often find themselves at a disadvantage against teams that can consistently reach the end zone.
The Safety: Defense Scores Too!
A safety in football is a unique scoring play where the defense scores 2 points. This occurs when the defense tackles an offensive player in their own end zone.
Safeties are relatively rare but can happen in situations like a running back being tackled behind their own goal line or a quarterback being sacked in the end zone.
When a safety occurs, the referee signals it with a specific hand gesture. The defensive team is awarded 2 points, and importantly, they also regain possession of the ball. The team that conceded the safety must then kick the ball to the opposing team from their own 20-yard line. A safety is a significant victory for the defense.
Learning the scoring system is your first step to appreciating the nuances of football! But there’s a whole playbook of knowledge to explore.
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It’s common for those new to football to initially think a touchdown is worth 7 points, likely because the extra point often follows, making the total score 7. However, it’s crucial to remember that a touchdown itself is explicitly worth 6 points. The extra point is an additional, separate scoring opportunity.
To further your understanding of football, we highly recommend exploring our Beginner’s Guide to Football. It’s packed with essential information to boost your football knowledge.
Dive deeper into football rules with these articles:
The Complete Beginner’s Guide To American Football
How Long Is a Football Field? Field Dimensions Explained
How Many Football Players On A Football Team? Roster and Positions
In conclusion, a touchdown awards a team 6 points and stands as the most impactful way to score in football. While often followed by a successful extra point kick, it’s important to remember the core value: a touchdown is worth 6 points. Mastering the scoring system is key to fully enjoying and understanding the thrilling game of American football.
