Unpacking the Post-Scoring Sequence: What Happens After A Touchdown In Football?

John Rizzo

What Happens After A Touchdown In Football

In the world of American football, scoring a touchdown is the pinnacle of achievement. It’s a moment that electrifies fans, sends players into celebratory dances, and fundamentally alters the course of the game. 

But what transpires after that triumphant crossing of the goal line? Understanding the sequence of events that follows a touchdown is vital for football enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

This blog post delves into the post-touchdown scenario, shedding light on the dynamics that unfold on the gridiron. 

From the strategic decisions teams must make to the psychological impact on players and fans, we’ll explore every facet of what happens after a touchdown in American football. 

Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or someone just getting acquainted with the sport, this guide will provide insights into the fascinating aftermath of a touchdown. So, stay focused. 

What Is A Touchdown In Football?

In American football, a touchdown is the primary method of scoring and one of the most exciting moments in the game. It occurs when an offensive player carries the football across the opposing team’s goal line or catches a pass in the end zone. 

To score a touchdown, the player must have possession of the ball and both of their feet must be in bounds in the end zone. A touchdown is worth six points, and after scoring one, the scoring team has the opportunity to earn additional points through a conversion attempt. 

They can either kick an extra point (worth one point) by kicking the ball through the uprights, or they can attempt a two-point conversion by running or passing the ball into the end zone again from a short distance.

Touchdowns are a fundamental element of American football, signifying successful offensive execution and contributing significantly to a team’s chances of winning the game.

How Does A Touchdown Happen?

How Does A Touchdown Happen

A touchdown in American football occurs when an offensive team successfully advances the football into the opposing team’s end zone. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how a touchdown happens:

Possession of the Football

The offensive team starts with possession of the football. The team typically begins a play from their own side of the field, with a quarterback handling the ball.

Advancing the Ball

The offensive team advances the ball down the field through a series of plays and maneuvers. 

This can involve running plays, where a player carries the ball while trying to evade defenders, or passing plays, where the quarterback throws the ball to a receiver.

Crossing the Goal Line

To score a touchdown, a player with possession of the football must carry it across the goal line of the opposing team, or catch a pass in the end zone while having both feet in bounds. 

The goal line is a white line that extends across the width of the field at the end of each team’s territory.

Referee’s Signal

When a player successfully crosses the goal line with the ball in their possession, the referees signal a touchdown by raising their arms above their head and blowing a whistle.

Scoring

A touchdown is worth six points on the scoreboard for the offensive team.

Conversion Attempt

After a touchdown, the scoring team has the option to attempt a conversion to earn additional points. 

They can choose to kick an extra point (worth one point) by making a field goal attempt, or they can attempt a two-point conversion by running or passing the ball into the end zone from a closer distance.

A touchdown is the ultimate goal of the offensive team and is a crucial element in American football, as it represents successful offensive execution and brings points on the scoreboard.

What Happens After A Touchdown In Football?

Happens After A Touchdown In Football

After a touchdown is scored in American football, several actions and decisions follow:

Celebration

The scoring team often celebrates the touchdown with players congratulating the scorer and sometimes performing choreographed celebrations.

Kickoff

Following a touchdown, the scoring team kicks off to the opposing team. This is a way to restart the game and give the opposing team a chance to try to score.

Extra Point or Two-Point Conversion

The scoring team has the option to attempt either an extra point or a two-point conversion to earn additional points. 

This decision depends on the team’s strategy and the score. Here’s how each option works:

Extra Point (PAT)

The team can choose to kick an extra point through the uprights from a short distance (usually the 2-yard line). If successful, this adds one point to their score.

Two-Point Conversion

Instead of kicking an extra point, the team can attempt to score two additional points by running or passing the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line. This option is riskier but can be valuable in certain game situations.

Return on a Failed Extra Point or Two-Point Conversion

If the scoring team fails to convert the extra point or two-point conversion, the opposing team has the opportunity to return the football for a score. 

In the case of the two-point conversion, if the opposing team intercepts the ball and returns it to the opposing end zone, they can score two points.

Resume of Play

Once the post-touchdown actions are complete, the game resumes with a kickoff or a change of possession, depending on whether the scoring team is kicking off or not.

A touchdown is a significant scoring event in American football, and what happens afterward can impact the flow and outcome of the game.

What Is Point-After-Touchdown (PAT)?

What Is Point-After-Touchdown (PAT)

Point-After-Touchdown (PAT), often referred to simply as the “extra point,” is a scoring opportunity in American football that follows a touchdown. 

It is the most common way for a team to attempt to earn additional points after scoring a touchdown. Here’s how the PAT works:

Placement Kick

After a touchdown is scored, the scoring team has the option to attempt a PAT by making a short field goal attempt. The ball is placed at the 2-yard line from the opponent’s goal line.

Kicking Team

The team attempting the PAT sends out its kicker, holder, and long snapper for the kick. The kicker attempts to kick the football through the uprights (the goalposts), which are located at the back of the end zone.

Scoring

If the kick is successful and the ball goes through the uprights, the scoring team is awarded one additional point on the scoreboard.

Missed Kick

If the kick is missed (i.e., the ball does not go through the uprights), no additional point is added to the team’s score. 

The opposing team has the option to return a missed PAT for a defensive two-point conversion, although this is a rare occurrence.

The PAT is a relatively high-percentage scoring opportunity and is typically used by teams to secure an extra point after scoring a touchdown. 

However, some teams may choose to attempt a more challenging two-point conversion instead, which involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from a shorter distance (the 2-yard line) and is worth two points if successful.

Kickoff and Possession Change in Touchdown

Kickoff and Possession Change in Touchdown

After a touchdown is scored in American football, the following actions take place regarding the kickoff and possession change:

Kickoff by Scoring Team

The team that just scored the touchdown is required to kick off to the opposing team. This kickoff is performed from the kicker’s own 35-yard line.

Change of Possession

The kickoff represents a change of possession. The team that was previously on defense, and which allowed the touchdown, now becomes the receiving team on offense.

Kick Return

The receiving team’s returner attempts to catch the kickoff and run it back as far as possible. The goal of the return is to gain good field position for the offense to start their drive.

New Offensive Possession

After the return is completed, the receiving team’s offense takes the field, beginning their offensive possession from the spot where the returner was tackled.

This position depends on the length of the return and can vary.

Play Resumes

The game resumes with the receiving team’s offense running plays to advance the ball down the field. The ultimate objective is to score points by advancing the ball into the opposing team’s end zone.

The kickoff following a touchdown is a standard part of the game and provides the opposing team with an opportunity to respond by driving down the field and scoring points of their own.

Impact of Touchdown in American Football

Impact of Touchdown in American Football

A touchdown in American football has several significant impacts on the game, both strategically and emotionally. Here are the key effects of a touchdown:

Points on the Scoreboard

The most immediate impact of a touchdown is the addition of six points to the scoring team’s total. This is a substantial boost to their score and can significantly change the game’s dynamics.

Momentum Swing

Scoring a touchdown often generates positive momentum for the scoring team. It can energize players, coaches, and fans, leading to increased confidence and motivation.

Field Position

Following a touchdown, the scoring team must kick off to the opposing team. Depending on the success of the return, this can affect the starting field position for the next offensive drive, potentially giving the receiving team an advantage.

Game Strategy

The decision regarding whether to attempt an extra point (PAT) or a two-point conversion can impact a team’s overall strategy. 

Choosing the PAT is a safer option while going for two points is riskier but can result in a larger point gain.

Opponent’s Response

A touchdown can force the opposing team to reassess their strategy and potentially adjust their game plan. It may lead to increased urgency or changes in offensive and defensive tactics.

Time Management

In close games, the timing of a touchdown can be critical. Scoring a touchdown late in the game may affect how a team manages the clock and their subsequent defensive strategy.

Fan Engagement

Touchdowns are often the most exciting moments in football games, leading to heightened fan engagement and emotional reactions. They can energize the crowd and create memorable experiences for spectators.

Psychological Impact

Scoring a touchdown can have a demoralizing effect on the opposing team, particularly if they are already trailing. Conversely, it can boost the morale and confidence of the scoring team.

Strategy for Future Possessions

The scoring team’s strategy may change depending on the score. If they are behind, they may become more aggressive in their play-calling and defensive schemes, whereas a lead may lead to a more conservative approach.

A touchdown is a pivotal event in American football, impacting the score, momentum, and strategies of both teams.

FAQs 

What is the purpose of a touchdown in American football?

A touchdown in American football is the primary method of scoring and is worth six points. 

It occurs when an offensive player carries the ball across the opposing team’s goal line or catches a pass in the end zone, signifying a successful offensive play.

What options does a team have after scoring a touchdown?

After scoring a touchdown, a team has two main options. 

They can attempt an extra point (PAT) kick for one additional point or try a two-point conversion for two extra points by running or passing the ball into the end zone from a short distance.

Can the opposing team do anything to counteract a touchdown?

If the scoring team fails the PAT kick or the two-point conversion attempt, the opposing team has the opportunity to return the missed kick for a defensive two-point conversion, earning two points if they score.

How does possession change after a touchdown?

Following a touchdown, the scoring team must kick off to the opposing team, marking a change of possession. 

The receiving team then gets the opportunity to start their offensive possession from the spot where the kickoff returner is tackled.

What is the significance of a touchdown in terms of momentum and strategy?

A touchdown has a substantial impact on a game’s momentum, often energizing the scoring team and affecting their confidence. 

It can also influence a team’s strategic decisions, such as whether to play aggressively or conservatively based on the score and game situation.

Wrapping Up

The journey from the end zone to the next kickoff is a captivating one in American football. It encompasses strategy, emotion, and the ebb and flow of the game. 

After a touchdown, the game is far from over; in fact, it often takes on a new life. It’s where teams strategize, fans roar, and players seek to maintain or seize momentum. 

From extra points to kickoff returns, this post has unraveled the multifaceted impact of a touchdown on the gridiron. As we’ve seen, a touchdown is not just a score; it’s a game-changer, a momentum-shifter, and a symbol of triumph. 

So, the next time you witness a touchdown, pay close attention to what unfolds next; it’s where football’s magic truly happens. Thank you so much. 

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John Rizzo

I am a professional rugby player in the Washington DC-Baltimore area. I have been playing rugby for over 10 years and have had the opportunity to play in many different countries. I am also a coach for both youth and adult rugby teams. I graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Sports Management and Marketing. I am currently working on my MPA from American University and plan to pursue this career path after graduating next year. LinkedIn