Football is one of the most popular sports in America. It’s fast, exciting, and full of action. But if you’re new to the game, you might wonder: How many points is a touchdown worth?
Great question! Let’s break it down in a fun and simple way.
Touchdown Basics
When a team gets the ball into the other team’s end zone, they score a touchdown. The end zone is the area at the very end of the football field. It’s where the big plays happen!
A touchdown is worth 6 points. That’s right, just crossing into that special zone with the ball puts 6 points up on the scoreboard.
What Happens After a Touchdown?
But wait—after a touchdown, the fun isn’t over! The scoring team has a chance to earn extra points. Here’s how it works:
- 1 Extra Point (Point After Touchdown or PAT): The team kicks the ball through the goalposts. It’s like a short field goal. If it goes in, they get 1 more point.
- 2 Extra Points (Two-Point Conversion): Instead of kicking, the team tries to run or pass the ball into the end zone again from the 2-yard line. If they succeed, they get 2 points.
Total Possible Points After a Touchdown:
- Touchdown: 6 points
- Extra Point Kick: 1 point
- OR Two-Point Conversion: 2 points
So the total can be either 7 points (with a kick) or 8 points (with a two-point conversion).
Why Is It 6 Points for a Touchdown?
Good question again! It all goes back to the early days of football. American football started as a mix of rugby and soccer. At first, touchdowns didn’t even count for any points! They just gave a team the right to try for a kick.
Over time, the rules changed. In 1912, the touchdown became worth 6 points. That’s the same today, over 100 years later!
Touchdown, Field Goal, or Safety?
Touchdowns are the most valuable way to score. But they’re not the only way. Let’s compare:
- Touchdown: 6 points
- Field Goal: 3 points
- Safety: 2 points
Clearly, touchdowns give the biggest boost in points!
Image not found in postmetaWhat Does a Real Play Look Like?
Let’s imagine a play.
The quarterback throws the ball to a wide receiver. The receiver catches it and runs into the end zone. The crowd goes wild! That’s a 6-point touchdown.
After that, the kicker comes on. He kicks the ball between the goalposts. It’s good! That’s 1 extra point. The total score for that play? 7 points!
What If They Miss the Extra Point?
Sometimes the kicker doesn’t make it. The ball might go wide of the posts—or get blocked by the other team. If that happens, the team only gets 6 points for the touchdown. Tough luck!
And if they try a two-point conversion and fail? Again, they only keep the 6 points from the touchdown.
When Do Teams Choose a Two-Point Conversion?
Most of the time, teams go for the kick because it’s easier. But in close games, they might go for 2 points. It’s a risky move, but it can win games!
Here are some reasons a team might try it:
- They’re trying to tie the game.
- They’re trying to take the lead late in the game.
- They want to put the pressure on the other team.
Coaches have to make fast, smart choices. Sometimes it pays off. Sometimes… not so much.
Touchdowns by Defense!
Here’s something cool. The team on defense can score a touchdown too!
If they intercept the ball or recover a fumble and run it back into the end zone, it’s still 6 points! That’s called a defensive touchdown.
These plays are super exciting. They can completely change the game!
Can You Get 1 Point Without a Touchdown?
Here’s a fun fact: In theory, yes! But it’s very rare.
It’s called a defensive one-point safety. It only happens in some strange and specific situations after an extra point or two-point attempt. You might see it once in a lifetime—if ever!
In Summary
Let’s wrap this up with a quick recap:
- A touchdown is worth 6 points.
- After a touchdown, teams can add:
- 1 point with a kick
- 2 points with a two-point conversion
- Total possible points for one touchdown play is 7 or 8.
Why Touchdowns Matter
Touchdowns give teams the best chance to win. They bring the crowd to their feet. They’re what every team aims for on the field. And now you know—they’re worth 6 big points!
So the next time you watch a game, you’ll know exactly what’s going on when someone yells, “Touchdown!”
Now grab some snacks, pick your favorite team, and enjoy the game!