How Many Points Is A Field Goal Worth In Football?

In football, a field goal is worth three points. A field goal is a play in which the offensive team attempts to kick the ball through the upright goalposts behind the end zone. The ball must be place-kicked or drop-kicked for the field goal to count. Football teams usually bring out a different lineup on field goal attempts that include the holder and the kicker. Field goals typically occur on fourth down and are a common way for a team to gain points when they cannot reach a first down or the end zone.

When Does a Field Goal Occur in Football?

Field goals typically occur on fourth down after the offense has failed to advance the necessary 10 yards required to get a first down but is within field goal range. Field goal range is defined as the usual range in which a certain kicker is capable of making a successful field goal. This will vary by kicker but is within 52 yards on average. The method of calculating field goal range involves adding 17 yards to the line of scrimmage and then determining if the kicker can make that distance. If so, a field goal can often be attempted.

Field goals are often attempted on fourth down as an effort to gain points from a drive that has stalled before reaching a first down. Sometimes, but rarely, a football team will choose to kick a field goal on third down if time is running out, but usually, they will wait until fourth down. 

What Players Participate in Field Goals?

Field goals are typically attempted by the special teams squad of a football team. These players come onto the field for special plays such as punts, kickoffs, and field goals. The players who are part of the special teams squad on a field goal play include a long snapper, a holder, and the kicker.

The long snapper is responsible for snapping the ball on a field goal. Since the field goal kicker stands farther back than the quarterback, a snapper who can make a long throw is necessary. The long snapper must throw the ball far and straight in order to help the holder get it in position for the kick.

The holder catches the long snap and quickly places the ball for the kicker to kick, holding it in place with one hand. The holder must be fast, catching the ball quickly and placing it without a mistake, as this can easily mess up the field goal.

Finally, the kicker actually kicks the field goal, getting a running start when the snap is made and kicking the ball when the holder places it. The kicker must be powerful and accurate on the kick in order to make a good field goal that goes through the uprights.

How Do You Kick a Field Goal in Football?

When a field goal is attempted, the ball is snapped to the holder, who holds the ball in place on the ground for the kicker to kick it. Kickers line up a few yards back and to the side of the holder, taking an angled running approach to the football before striking it with the laces of their cleat, similar to kicking a soccer ball.

 If the field goal attempt successfully goes through the goalposts, the offense will be awarded three points. If the attempt misses or hits the uprights and does not bounce through them, the ball will be whistled dead, and the other team will gain possession at the spot of the kick. If the field goal attempt is blocked, it can be returned and the other team will gain possession.

Field Goal vs. Extra Point

There are several differences between a field goal and an extra-point kick. Field goals are worth three points and can be taken from anywhere on the field. Extra point kicks are worth one point and are taken from the defensive 15-yard line. Field goals may be taken on any down, although they are typically only attempted on fourth down. Extra point kicks are special plays that are only attempted after successfully scoring a touchdown.

FAQ