In the dynamic and strategic world of American football, every play holds the potential to shape the course of a game. One such critical play is the field goal attempt, a moment that can swing the momentum in favor of a team or leave fans on the edge of their seats.
While a successful field goal brings cheers and points on the scoreboard, a missed field goal can lead to various outcomes that impact the strategies, emotions, and dynamics of the game.
In this blog post, we delve into the realm of missed field goals in football, addressing common questions and uncovering insights into what happens when the ball doesn’t find its mark between the goalposts. So, stay focused.
What Is a Football Missed Field Goal?
In American football, a missed field goal occurs when a team attempts to score points by kicking the ball through the opposing team’s goalposts during a field goal attempt, but the kick is unsuccessful and the ball does not go through the goalposts. Here’s what happens when a field goal is missed:
Field Position for the Opposing Team
When a team misses a field goal, the opposing team takes possession of the ball at the spot where the previous line of scrimmage was. In other words, the ball is placed at the line of scrimmage of the field goal attempt.
Touchback
If the missed field goal was attempted from a distance deep within the kicker’s own territory, and the ball does not cross the goal line, the opposing team might have the option to take possession of the ball at their own 20-yard line. This is similar to a touchback that occurs on kickoffs and punts.
It’s important to note that if the missed field goal attempt is caught by the opposing team in the end zone and not returned out of the end zone, it’s a touchback and the opposing team gets the ball at their own 20-yard line.
20-yard Line Rules in the Context of Missed Field Goal
In American football, the “20-yard line rules” pertain to the specific scenarios and consequences that arise when a field goal attempt is missed and the ball does not cross the goalposts.
These rules determine where the ball will be placed and how the game will proceed based on the field position of the attempted field goal. Here’s an overview of the 20-yard line rules in the context of a missed field goal:
Line of Scrimmage Placement
If a team attempts a field goal and the kick is missed, the opposing team takes possession of the ball at the spot where the previous line of scrimmage was before the field goal attempt. This means that the ball will be placed at the same yard line from which the field goal was attempted.
Option for Touchback
However, if the missed field goal attempt was taken from a distance deep within the kicking team’s territory (typically beyond the 20-yard line), the opposing team has the option to treat the situation like a touchback.
This means they can choose to take possession of the ball at their own 20-yard line instead of at the spot of the missed kick.
Touchback Scenario
If the missed field goal attempt lands in the end zone and is not returned out of the end zone by the receiving team, it is considered a touchback. In this case, the opposing team takes over possession at their own 20-yard line.
This rule encourages the receiving team to prioritize ball possession over attempting a return from a difficult position.
Kicking Team’s Strategy
Because of these rules, the kicking team may consider the field position and the possibility of a touchback when deciding whether to attempt a long field goal.
If the distance is significant and the likelihood of making the kick is low, the opposing team might gain a better field position by opting for the touchback scenario.
Rule Variations
It’s important to note that specific leagues or levels of play may have slightly different variations of these rules. The rules for touchbacks and field goal attempts can be subject to change, so consulting the official rulebook for the relevant league is recommended for precise and up-to-date information.
Consequences of Football Missed Field Goal
A missed field goal in American football can have several significant consequences for both the team attempting the kick and the opposing team. Here are some of the key consequences:
Change of Possession
The most immediate consequence of a missed field goal is that the opposing team gains possession of the ball. The ball is placed at the line of scrimmage where the field goal attempt was made.
This change of possession can impact the flow of the game and potentially lead to scoring opportunities for the other team.
Field Position
The field position after a missed field goal is crucial. If the kick was attempted from a considerable distance and fell short, the opposing team might start their offensive drive with a more favorable field position than they would have if the kick had been successful.
This can affect their offensive strategy and increase their chances of scoring.
Momentum Shift
A missed field goal can result in a momentum shift within the game. The team that attempted the kick may feel frustrated or demoralized, while the opposing team gains a boost of confidence and momentum. This emotional shift can influence the overall dynamics of the game.
Field Position for Kicking Team
Depending on the circumstances, a missed field goal can also give the opposing team a better field position to start their offensive drive. The kicking team’s defense might need to defend against an opponent starting closer to their end zone, potentially making it more challenging to prevent scoring.
Strategic Considerations
Coaches and players must carefully consider whether to attempt a field goal or go for it on fourth down when they are in field goal range. A missed field goal can waste a scoring opportunity, and the field position consequences might lead teams to opt for different strategies based on the situation.
Potential for Return
If the missed field goal attempt lands within the end zone and is not returned out of the end zone by the receiving team, it results in a touchback. This allows the opposing team to start their drive at their own 20-yard line.
The potential for a return after a missed field goal can impact the receiving team’s decision to bring the ball out of the end zone.
Clock Management
Depending on the timing of the missed field goal (e.g., end of a half or end of the game), it can affect clock management strategies. The change in possession and field position might influence how teams manage the remaining time on the game clock.
Psychological Impact
A missed field goal can have psychological effects on both teams. The team that missed the kick might experience disappointment or frustration, while the opposing team may gain a sense of relief and seize the opportunity to capitalize on the situation.
Missed Field Goal Vs A Blocked Field Goal
A missed field goal and a blocked field goal are two distinct outcomes in American football that occur during a field goal attempt. Let’s explore the differences between them:
Missed Field Goal
A missed field goal occurs when a team attempts to score points by kicking the ball through the opposing team’s goalposts during a field goal attempt, but the kick is unsuccessful and the ball does not go through the goalposts.
This can happen due to various factors such as poor kicking technique, unfavorable weather conditions, or the kicker’s inability to accurately judge the distance and trajectory required for the kick.
When a field goal is missed, the opposing team takes possession of the ball at the spot where the previous line of scrimmage was.
Blocked Field Goal
A blocked field goal occurs when a defensive player successfully blocks the ball as it is being kicked during a field goal attempt. The defensive player typically times their jump to coincide with the moment the ball is kicked, and they aim to disrupt the trajectory of the ball.
If the ball is blocked and does not clear the line of scrimmage, it is considered a blocked field goal. The defensive team can then recover the blocked ball and gain possession at the spot where the block occurred.
Key Differences
Cause
A missed field goal is primarily the result of the kicker’s action or external factors like weather. A blocked field goal is a result of a defensive player’s successful attempt to block the kick.
Outcome
In a missed field goal, the ball is simply not kicked accurately and does not pass through the goalposts. In a blocked field goal, the ball is physically blocked by a defender after it is kicked.
Possession
After a missed field goal, the opposing team takes possession at the spot of the previous line of scrimmage. After a blocked field goal, the defensive team that blocked the kick can recover the ball and gain possession at the spot of the block.
Defensive Play
Blocking a field goal requires a well-timed and skilled defensive effort to jump and deflect the ball. A missed field goal does not involve any defensive action.
Both missed and blocked field goals can have significant impacts on the course of a game.
Downs in Missed Field Goal
In American football, the concept of “downs” refers to the number of consecutive plays or attempts a team has to advance the ball a specified distance toward the opponent’s end zone.
Each team has four downs to advance the ball 10 yards. If they successfully advance the ball 10 yards or more within those four downs, they earn a new set of downs.
However, when a field goal attempt is missed, the concept of downs is not directly involved in the same way as during standard offensive plays. Here’s how the downs are typically handled in the context of a missed field goal:
First Down
A team that attempts a field goal typically does so on fourth down. This means that it’s their last attempt to gain the necessary yardage to either score a touchdown or make the field goal.
Change of Possession
If the field goal attempt is missed and the ball does not cross the goalposts, the opposing team gains possession of the ball at the spot where the previous line of scrimmage was.
The team that was attempting the field goal no longer has the opportunity to continue advancing the ball unless the opposing team fumbles or returns the ball to the other end of the field.
Reset of Downs
Since the possession changes after a missed field goal, the concept of downs resets for the team that gains possession.
The team that now has the ball will start their offensive series with a new set of downs—first down—regardless of how many downs the kicking team had remaining when they attempted the field goal.
Points for Missed Field Goal
In American football, a missed field goal does not result in any points being awarded to either team. Points are only scored when a field goal attempt is successful and the ball passes through the opponent’s goalposts. The scoring system for field goals is as follows:
Successful Field Goal
- A field goal is worth 3 points if the kicking team successfully kicks the ball through the opponent’s goalposts and above the crossbar.
- The ball must clear the crossbar and go through the uprights of the goalposts to count as a successful field goal.
Missed Field Goal
- If the ball is kicked and does not pass through the goalposts or is not kicked accurately, it is considered a missed field goal.
- A missed field goal does not earn the kicking team any points.
It’s important to note that the primary objective of a field goal attempt is to score points.
FAQs
What is a missed field goal in football?
A missed field goal occurs when a team attempts to score points by kicking the ball through the opposing team’s goalposts, but the kick is unsuccessful, and the ball does not pass through the goalposts.
What are the consequences of a missed field goal?
A missed field goal leads to a change of possession, with the opposing team gaining control of the ball at the spot of the previous line of scrimmage. This change can impact field position, momentum, and the strategic decisions of both teams.
How does a missed field goal affect the game’s momentum?
A missed field goal can lead to a momentum shift in the game. The team attempting the kick might feel frustrated, while the opposing team gains a confidence boost. This emotional swing can influence subsequent plays and decisions.
Can a missed field goal be returned for a touchdown?
Yes, if a missed field goal attempt falls short and is caught by a member of the opposing team, they have the opportunity to return it. If they successfully return the ball into the opposing end zone, they score a touchdown, resulting in a dramatic turn of events.
What happens if the missed field goal lands in the end zone?
If a missed field goal attempt lands in the end zone and is not returned out of the end zone, it results in a touchback. The opposing team gains possession at their own 20-yard line, showcasing the strategic considerations at play even after a missed attempt.
Wrapping Up
In the intricate tapestry of American football, a missed field goal stands as a reminder of the game’s unpredictable nature. While it doesn’t add points to the scoreboard, it has the power to shift momentum, alter strategies, and evoke passionate reactions from players and fans alike.
From the immediate consequences of a change in possession to the ripple effects felt throughout the game, the missed field goal is a testament to the sport’s intricacies, ensuring that each play—successful or not—leaves an indelible mark on the gridiron narrative. Thank you.
