Football is an exciting sport filled with strategy, power, and precision. While touchdowns are thrilling moments in any game, they don’t mark the end of the scoring process. After every touchdown, a team has a chance to attempt a post-touchdown play, which can make all the difference in the final score. These plays, often overlooked by casual viewers, are crucial to a team’s success and involve high-level decision-making, execution, and risk assessment.
In this detailed article, we will explore what a post-touchdown attempt is, the different types of post-touchdown plays, how they impact the outcome of a game, and the strategies teams use when making these critical decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or just beginning to understand the sport, this guide will provide a comprehensive look into the mechanics and importance of post-touchdown attempts.
What is a Post-Touchdown Attempt?
A post-touchdown attempt is a play that takes place immediately after a team scores a touchdown. In American football, a touchdown is worth six points, and following the touchdown, the scoring team is allowed to add additional points through a follow-up play. These additional points can come from one of two types of post-touchdown attempts:
- The Extra Point Kick (One-Point Conversion)
- The Two-Point Conversion
These attempts are crucial because they can either strengthen a team’s lead, tie a game, or allow a trailing team to catch up more quickly. As simple as they may sound, these plays require careful strategic planning, and even slight errors can have significant consequences.
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1. The Extra Point Kick (One-Point Conversion)
The extra-point kick is the most common and traditional post-touchdown attempt. After scoring a touchdown, the team lines up to kick the ball through the opponent’s goalposts. If the ball successfully passes between the uprights and over the crossbar, the team is awarded one additional point. This brings the total score for the touchdown and the extra point to seven points.
Mechanics of the Extra Point Kick:
- Snap: The play begins with the long snapper passing the ball to the holder.
- Hold: The holder places the ball on the ground and holds it upright for the kicker.
- Kick: The kicker aims to drive the ball through the uprights.
Kicking an extra point may seem like a routine task for professional teams, but it requires precision. The long snapper, holder, and kicker must work in perfect harmony. Even though the kick is typically attempted from a close distance, various factors—like weather conditions, timing, or nerves—can influence the success of the attempt.
The Importance of the Extra Point Kick:
The extra point kick is often viewed as a “guaranteed” point, with success rates being high in professional football. However, a missed extra point can be disastrous, especially in close games. For instance, a team that misses an extra point may find themselves needing an additional score to win or tie the game, adding pressure as the game progresses.
In 2015, the NFL made a significant rule change, moving the extra point attempt back from the two-yard line to the 15-yard line. This change made the extra point kick more challenging, increasing the chances of a miss and adding more excitement to the post-touchdown attempt
2. The Two-Point Conversion
While the extra point kick is the standard option, teams can also opt for a two-point conversion instead. In this scenario, the team lines up at the opponent’s two-yard line and attempts to score a touchdown in a single play. If successful, the team earns two points instead of one, bringing the total score for the touchdown and conversion to eight points.
Mechanics of the Two-Point Conversion:
- Play Call: The offensive team has a variety of options when attempting a two-point conversion. They can run the ball, pass the ball, or even use trick plays to catch the defense off guard.
- Execution: The quarterback can hand the ball off to a running back, throw a quick pass, or attempt a designed run to cross the goal line.
The two-point conversion is a higher-risk, higher-reward play. It requires the offensive unit to execute a precise play, often under significant pressure from the opposing defense, which is expecting a play within close proximity to the goal line.
Strategic Importance of the Two-Point Conversion:
The decision to attempt a two-point conversion is often influenced by game situation. Coaches will consider the score, the time remaining in the game, and the likelihood of success before choosing to go for two points. Situations that might call for a two-point conversion include:
- Trailing late in the game: A team that is down by one or two points late in the game may opt for a two-point conversion to take the lead instead of tying the game with an extra point.
- Closing the gap: If a team is significantly behind, they may attempt two-point conversions to close the scoring gap faster.
- Momentum shift: Successfully converting a two-point attempt can provide a psychological boost and shift the momentum in favor of the scoring team.
The two-point conversion adds an exciting layer of strategy to football. It’s a gamble that, when successful, can drastically alter the trajectory of a game. However, it can also backfire if the defense prevents the score, leaving the team with fewer points than they could have had with a safer extra point kick.
The Role of Special Teams in Post-Touchdown Attempts
In both the extra point kick and two-point conversion, the special teams unit plays a critical role. Special teams consist of a group of players specifically trained for these high-pressure situations, and their performance can make or break the success of a post-touchdown attempt.
Special Teams and the Extra Point Kick:
For the extra point kick, the special teams unit includes the long snapper, holder, and kicker. Each player must perform their role perfectly for the kick to be successful:
- Long Snapper: The long snapper must deliver a precise and quick snap to the holder without error.
- Holder: The holder needs to catch the snap, place the ball in position, and hold it steady for the kicker, all within seconds.
- Kicker: The kicker has the pressure of delivering a successful kick, often while opposing players rush in to block the attempt.
Special Teams and the Two-Point Conversion:
In the case of a two-point conversion, the offensive unit may remain on the field instead of the special teams unit. However, special plays designed for two-point conversions can involve unique personnel or formations that blur the lines between special teams and the offensive lineup.
For both types of post-touchdown attempts, the involvement of special teams highlights the importance of having well-coordinated players who excel in specific roles. Teams that invest time in training their special teams tend to perform better in post-touchdown situations, which can often be the difference between winning and losing.
The Decision-Making Process: Kick or Go for Two?
One of the most critical decisions a coach faces after a touchdown is whether to attempt the extra point kick or go for a two-point conversion. This decision is not made lightly, and several factors come into play:
1. Game Situation:
The score and timing of the game heavily influence whether a team opts for the extra point or two-point conversion. For example:
- Early in the game: Teams often choose the safer extra point early in the game, as there is more time to score additional points later.
- Late in the game: As time winds down, teams may take more risks, such as going for two points, in an attempt to secure a lead or tie the game.
2. Mathematical Probability:
Football coaches and analysts use analytics to help make decisions on post-touchdown attempts. Advanced statistics and models can calculate the probability of success for a two-point conversion based on factors such as field position, defensive strength, and player matchups.
Some coaches use these probabilities to determine when it’s more advantageous to go for two points rather than settle for the extra point kick. For example, teams that are down by multiple scores might use analytics to determine the best strategy for closing the gap and maximizing their chances of winning.
3. Confidence in Execution:
A team’s confidence in their special teams unit or offensive lineup can also sway the decision. If a coach believes in the accuracy of their kicker and the efficiency of their special teams unit, they may opt for the extra point kick. On the other hand, if the offense is performing well, or the defense has been struggling, a coach might choose to go for two points, trusting their offense to execute the play successfully.
4. Opposing Defense:
The strength of the opposing defense also plays a role in the decision-making process. Teams facing a particularly strong defense might opt for the safer extra point, while those confident they can outmaneuver a weaker defense may take the risk of a two-point conversion.
Memorable Moments in Post-Touchdown Attempt History
Throughout football history, there have been game-changing moments when post-touchdown attempts played a pivotal role in deciding the outcome of a game. These moments serve as reminders of how critical these plays can be.
1. Super Bowl LI – New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (2017)
In one of the most dramatic comebacks in Super Bowl history, the New England Patriots overcame a 28-3 deficit to defeat the Atlanta Falcons in overtime. Part of the comeback included a successful two-point conversion by the Patriots, which helped tie the game and force overtime. Without this critical post-touchdown play, the Patriots may not have had the chance to claim victory.
2. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Chicago Bears (2019 NFL Playoffs)
In the 2019 playoffs, the Philadelphia Eagles found themselves trailing the Chicago Bears late in the fourth quarter. After scoring a touchdown to pull within one point, the Eagles chose to go for a two-point conversion to take the lead. The conversion was successful, and the Eagles held on to win the game by a single point, 16-15.
Conclusion: The Significance of Post-Touchdown Attempts
While touchdowns often get all the glory, post-touchdown attempts are just as vital in determining the outcome of a football game. Whether it’s the more traditional extra-point kick or the higher-risk, higher-reward two-point conversion, these plays require strategic thinking, precise execution, and split-second decision-making. Teams that excel in post-touchdown attempts can gain a competitive edge, turning close games into victories.
As fans and players alike continue to appreciate the nuances of football, the importance of post-touchdown attempts will remain a critical aspect of the game. Understanding these plays not only enhances your viewing experience but also provides insight into the strategies that define football at its highest level.
