What Is a Field Goal in American Football? Points and Range
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TL;DR
A field goal is worth three points when the kicked ball passes between the uprights and over the crossbar. Teams often attempt one on fourth down when a touchdown is unlikely.
How the kick works
The long snapper delivers the ball, a holder places it, and the kicker strikes it. Timing between those three roles determines whether the kick is clean and whether the rush can reach it.
Choosing field-goal range
Range depends on the kicker, weather, hash mark and game situation. The distance includes the line of scrimmage plus the end-zone depth and the holder’s placement.
Missed and blocked kicks
A miss gives the opponent possession at the rulebook’s spot. A blocked kick remains a live ball in many circumstances, so players must understand recovery and advance restrictions.
Field goal versus extra point
Both use a place-kick, but a field goal is a live-play scoring attempt worth three points. An extra point follows a touchdown and is a separate try with its own distance and options.
Related scoring
Compare safeties, two-point conversions, the red zone and play action.
Sources
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