How many points is a field goal after a touchdown football?

You might be mixing up football terminology here. In American football, there's no such thing as a "field goal after a touchdown." What you're probably thinking of is the extra point or point after touchdown (PAT), which is worth exactly one point.

Understanding the Extra Point vs Field Goal

After scoring a touchdown worth six points, teams have the opportunity to add more points through what's called the "try" or conversion attempt. The most common choice is kicking an extra point, which involves kicking the ball through the uprights from the 15-yard line. This successful kick adds one point to the team's score.

A field goal, on the other hand, is a completely different scoring play worth three points. Teams attempt field goals during regular play when they can't reach the end zone but are within kicking range. These kicks can happen from anywhere on the field during any down.

The Two-Point Conversion Alternative

Instead of kicking the extra point, teams can choose a two-point conversion. This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the two-yard line. If successful, the team earns two points instead of one. This option has become increasingly popular in recent years as coaches embrace more aggressive strategies.

Why the Confusion Exists

The confusion between field goals and extra points makes sense because both involve kicking the ball through the uprights. However, the timing, point values, and strategic situations are completely different. Extra points happen immediately after touchdowns, while field goals occur during regular offensive drives.

Strategic Considerations for Coaches

Coaches must decide between the safer one-point extra point and the riskier two-point conversion based on game situations. Late in games, the score differential often determines this choice. A team trailing by eight points, for example, needs the two-point conversion to potentially tie the game with another touchdown.

The extra point, while worth only one point, remains the most reliable option with success rates typically above 90% in professional football. Teams rarely miss these kicks unless weather conditions or special circumstances create additional challenges.

Understanding these scoring rules helps fans better appreciate the strategic decisions coaches make throughout games. Whether choosing the safe extra point or gambling on a two-point conversion, these post-touchdown decisions can significantly impact game outcomes and playoff positioning.