In professional American football, the act of trying to score three points by kicking the ball through the uprights and over the crossbar of the goalposts is a key component of offensive strategy. This attempt typically occurs on fourth down when the offense is within a reasonable distance of the goalposts and believes a successful kick is more likely than converting the fourth down for a first down or scoring a touchdown. An example of this would be a team being on the opponent’s 30-yard line with one yard to go for a first down; instead of attempting to gain the yard, they may opt to kick for three points.
The frequency of these plays provides a measurable indicator of a team’s offensive efficiency within scoring range. Successful execution can significantly impact game outcomes, providing a crucial edge in close contests. Over the history of the league, rule changes regarding the placement of the goalposts and protective equipment have subtly altered the risk-reward calculation, influencing the number of attempts made per game and their overall success rate. The decision to make such an attempt demonstrates the team’s confidence (or lack thereof) in other facets of their game.
