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Last updated: Feb 09, 2023
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Table of Contents
- What is the Extra Point in Football?
- Where is the Extra Point Kicked From?
- Extra Point Strategy
- Rise of the Two-Point Conversion
- Rule Changes
- FAQ
When a football team scores a touchdown, they have the chance to score extra points afterward.Although there is the possibility of getting two extra points, teams often opt to attempt the one-point conversion, also known as an extra point.To score the extra point, the team must kick the ball into the opposing team’s goal post, starting at the 15-yard line.
If the kick is successful, one point will be added to the score, and the team will have scored a total of seven points in that drive, including six points from the touchdown. However, sometimes kickers miss the extra point conversion. When that happens, the team does not get the extra point, but still gets six points from the touchdown scored.
Where is the Extra Point Kicked From?
The extra point is taken from the 15-yard line in the NFL and the two-yard line in NCAA football.However, the actual distance of the extra point kick is 33 yards from the holder to the goal posts in the NFL and 20 yards in college football.This extra distance accounts for the length of the end zone (10 yards) and an extra eight yards to give the kicker enough room to kick without it being blocked. In the NFL, the long snapper lines up over the ball on the 15-yard line, and the holder lines up on the 23-yard line. Since the end zone is 10 yards long, adding that to where the ball is kicked from equals 33 yards.
Extra Point Strategy
Teams choose to kick the extra point when they want to be sure they will score points, as kickers convert the extra point more often than not, while a two-point conversion is very risky. Unless it is absolutely necessary for a team to score two points to stay in the game, coaches will typically send the kicker in and attempt the extra point conversion. Check the example below:
Imagine the score is the following at the 5-minute mark of the second quarter:
Home Team: 17, Away Team: 3
If the away team scores a touchdown, the score becomes:
Home Team: 17, Away Team: 9
If the away team makes the extra kick, the score becomes:
Home Team: 17, Away Team: 10
It is ideal for the away team to go for the extra point in this case because there is no need to take the high risk of attempting a two-point conversion with so much time left in the game and when the team is losing by only one possession. In a case like this, with the high conversion percentage, coaches will always opt for the extra point attempt.
Rise of the Two-Point Conversion
More and more teams have been opting to go for the two-point conversion rather than the extra point kick in recent years.This is somewhat due to the fact that the extra point kick is further back than it was prior to 2015. Analytics point to the fact that a team has a higher percentage of converting a singular two-point conversion than failing to convert on two attempts. So, in games where a team is down two touchdowns, they may opt for a two-point conversion if they score.
In some scenarios, coaches will call for a two-point conversion at the very end of a game when their team is down by only one point. This is done with the goal of winning the game rather than sending it to overtime, when the coach feels their team has a better chance of completing the two-point attempt instead of performing well in overtime. This strategy is extremely risky and can either pay off with a win or disappoint with a questionable loss.
Rule Changes
In the NFL, the extra point kicking line was moved back from the two-yard line to the 15-yard line in 2015. This made the extra point significantly less automatic for kickers. Prior to the rule change, kickers made roughly 99% of extra point kicks. After the rule change, that number dropped to just over 90%.
FAQ
What is a PAT in football?
In football, a PAT is another term used to refer to an extra point attempt.The team can either go for 1 or 2 extra points, depending on the score and how many points they are looking to score.
Do kickers always score the extra point?
While it is very uncommon in the NFL, kickers can miss the extra point after a touchdown.If the weather conditions are poor, the kick is blocked, or the snap is off, it can be very easy for a kicker to miss the extra point. Kickers typically make over 90% of their extra point attempts.
How long is the extra point in football?
The distance from which extra points are kicked is different in NFL and NCAA football.In the NFL, the extra point is taken from the 15-yard line; this rule was changed from the two-yard line in 2015. In college football, extra points are still started from the two-yard line. However, when calculating the distance of an extra point, you will need to add about 18 yards to where the kick is started to account for the length of the end zone and distance required for the kicker to clear the linemen. Therefore, extra points are 33 yards long in the NFL and 20 yards long in the NCAA.
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Pages Related to Football Extra Point
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As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in football, particularly the intricacies of scoring and rule changes, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge to shed light on the concepts discussed in the article about football extra points.
Extra Point Kick Location: The article rightly points out that the extra point kick in the NFL is taken from the 15-yard line, a rule change implemented in 2015. The 15-yard line is carefully chosen to ensure a fair and challenging distance for kickers, considering the length of the end zone (10 yards) and an additional eight yards for the kicker to avoid potential blocks. This makes the actual distance of the kick 33 yards. Contrastingly, in NCAA football, the kick is initiated from the two-yard line, resulting in a 20-yard kick distance when accounting for the same factors.
Extra Point Strategy: The strategic decision-making behind opting for the extra point is a key element discussed. Coaches often choose the extra point over the riskier two-point conversion, especially when the team needs only one additional point to secure the lead or tie the game. The example given in the article illustrates the point, emphasizing the importance of securing guaranteed points in certain situations.
Rise of the Two-Point Conversion: The article delves into the evolving trend where teams are increasingly opting for the two-point conversion over the traditional extra point kick. Analytics support this shift, indicating a higher success rate for a singular two-point conversion compared to the potential failure of two separate attempts. Additionally, coaches may strategically employ the two-point conversion in specific scenarios, such as attempting to win the game outright instead of going to overtime.
Rule Changes: A significant rule change discussed in the article is the shift of the extra point kicking line from the two-yard line to the 15-yard line in the NFL in 2015. This alteration aimed to reduce the near-automatic success rate of extra point kicks, making the game more competitive and introducing an element of challenge for kickers.
FAQ: The FAQ section provides concise answers to common questions, including the definition of a PAT (Point After Touchdown) in football, the occasional failure of kickers to score the extra point, and the length of the extra point kick in both the NFL and NCAA football.
In summary, this comprehensive article covers the nuances of football extra points, from the technical aspects of the kick to the strategic considerations that coaches must weigh in deciding between the extra point and the two-point conversion. The inclusion of rule changes and a well-structured FAQ enhances the reader's understanding of this essential facet of football scoring.
