Introduction: In American football, every point counts, and the post-touchdown attempt is a critical aspect of scoring strategy. After a team scores a touchdown, they have the opportunity to earn additional points through a post-touchdown attempt. This play can significantly impact the game’s outcome and requires careful decision-making by the coach and players. In this article, we will dive deep into the mechanics of the post-touchdown attempt, its types, the strategic elements that influence a team’s decision, and its overall importance in the game.
What is a Post-Touchdown Attempt?
A post-touchdown attempt refers to the play that occurs immediately after a team scores a touchdown in American football. This attempt is the team’s chance to earn additional points: one or two, depending on the type of play they choose. While the touchdown itself is worth six points, the post-touchdown attempt offers the potential to increase the total to seven or eight points.
Understanding the dynamics and rules governing the post-touchdown attempt is vital for both players and fans. It is not just an opportunity to add points but also a strategic decision that can influence the game’s outcome. For instance, a team may choose a safer, more predictable option to secure one point or opt for a riskier play to gain two points.
Types of Post-Touchdown Attempts
There are primarily two types of post-touchdown attempts: the extra point kick and the two-point conversion. Each comes with its own set of rules, risks, and rewards.
1. Extra Point Kick
The extra point kick, also known as the “point after touchdown” (PAT), is the more traditional and commonly chosen option. It involves a placekicker attempting to kick the ball through the uprights of the goalpost from the 15-yard line. If successful, the team earns one additional point, bringing their total to seven points.
This method is usually seen as the safer option. The success rate for extra point kicks is relatively high, given that most professional kickers can accurately make the kick from that distance. However, factors like wind, field conditions, and pressure can still play a role in the outcome.
2. Two-Point Conversion
The two-point conversion is a more aggressive option that involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the opponent’s two-yard line. If the team succeeds in crossing the goal line, they earn two additional points, increasing their total to eight points. However, the risk of failure is also higher, as the defense is positioned to stop a short-yardage play.
Teams typically choose the two-point conversion when they need to catch up quickly or widen their lead by a more significant margin. While it is a riskier decision, a successful two-point conversion can create a substantial advantage or overcome a narrow point deficit.
Strategic Considerations for Post-Touchdown Attempts
Selecting the type of post-touchdown attempt involves several strategic considerations. Coaches must evaluate the game’s context, team strengths and weaknesses, and external factors to make the best decision.
1. Game Context
The current score, time remaining, and game situation heavily influence the decision between an extra point kick and a two-point conversion. For example, if a team is trailing by one point late in the game, a two-point conversion might be the only viable option to secure a win. Conversely, if a team has a comfortable lead, they might prefer the safer extra point kick.
2. Team Strengths and Weaknesses
The team’s personnel and their respective skills play a critical role in deciding the type of post-touchdown attempt. A team with a reliable kicker and a strong offensive line may lean toward the extra point kick. On the other hand, a team with a dynamic quarterback and versatile offensive playmakers might prefer the two-point conversion, especially if they have practiced specific plays designed for such situations.
3. Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can significantly impact the success rate of post-touchdown attempts. For example, strong winds, rain, or snow can make it difficult to execute an accurate kick. In such cases, a coach might decide to attempt a two-point conversion instead. Additionally, field conditions, such as turf quality, can affect footing and ball handling, influencing the decision.
Historical Impact of Post-Touchdown Attempts
Throughout football history, post-touchdown attempts have played a critical role in determining game outcomes. Many games have been won or lost based on the success or failure of these attempts.
1. Famous Post-Touchdown Attempt Decisions
One of the most famous examples occurred during Super Bowl XXXVIII when the New England Patriots opted for a two-point conversion to increase their lead against the Carolina Panthers. This decision was pivotal as it put them in a better position to withstand a late-game comeback attempt by the Panthers.
2. Statistics and Trends
Statistical analysis shows that the success rate for extra point kicks is typically around 95%, while the success rate for two-point conversions is around 50%. Despite the lower probability of success, the potential reward of two points can justify the risk, especially in high-stakes situations. Over the years, teams have become more inclined to attempt two-point conversions, reflecting a trend towards more aggressive, analytics-driven decision-making.
How Coaches Make Decisions on Post-Touchdown Attempts
Coaches must carefully weigh various factors before deciding which post-touchdown attempt to execute. This decision-making process combines analytical approaches with psychological insights.
1. Analytical Approach
Modern football has embraced analytics to an unprecedented degree. Coaches often rely on data to determine the optimal play in a given situation. Metrics such as expected points added (EPA) and win probability models are used to calculate the potential outcomes of an extra point kick versus a two-point conversion. These analytics help coaches make more informed, objective decisions that align with their overall strategy.
2. Psychological Factors
Beyond the numbers, psychological factors also play a significant role. Coaches need to consider the morale and confidence levels of their players. A team feeling positive momentum may be more inclined to attempt a two-point conversion, whereas a team that has struggled might prefer the safer extra point kick. Additionally, the psychological state of the opposing team can influence the decision, particularly if they are known to struggle in certain situations.
Common Mistakes During Post-Touchdown Attempts
While post-touchdown attempts can be game-changers, they are not without risks. Several common mistakes can undermine their success.
1. Execution Errors
Execution errors are the most common mistakes during post-touchdown attempts. These errors can include missed kicks due to poor technique or mishandled snaps during a two-point conversion. Teams must practice these scenarios regularly to minimize such mistakes and ensure seamless execution.
2. Misjudging the Opposition
Another frequent mistake is misjudging the defensive capabilities of the opposition. For example, a team might underestimate a defense’s ability to stop a two-point conversion, leading to a failed attempt. Thorough scouting and game preparation are essential to avoid such errors.
The Future of Post-Touchdown Attempts
As football continues to evolve, the approach to post-touchdown attempts is likely to change as well. Several factors may influence future decisions, including rule changes, advanced analytics, and innovation in offensive strategies.
1. Rule Changes and Innovations
Potential rule changes, such as moving the extra point kick back even further, could affect teams’ decisions on whether to attempt an extra point or go for two points. Innovations in offensive strategies and play designs may also increase the success rate of two-point conversions, making them a more attractive option for teams.
2. Advanced Analytics in Decision Making
With the increasing use of data analytics, decision-making around post-touchdown attempts will likely become more refined. Teams will continue to use advanced metrics to optimize their strategies, further blurring the lines between traditional coaching intuition and data-driven decisions.
Conclusion
The post-touchdown attempt is a crucial element of football strategy that requires a blend of analytical rigor and psychological insight. Understanding when to kick an extra point or attempt a two-point conversion can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. As teams continue to embrace analytics and adapt to evolving rules, the strategies behind post-touchdown attempts will become even more sophisticated, making this aspect of the game more exciting and unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a post-touchdown attempt in football?
A post-touchdown attempt is the play executed immediately after scoring a touchdown, giving a team the chance to earn additional points through an extra point kick or a two-point conversion.
2. What is the difference between an extra point kick and a two-point conversion?
An extra point kick involves kicking the ball through the goalpost for one point, while a two-point conversion requires running or passing the ball into the end zone for two points.
3. When should a team attempt a two-point conversion?
Teams usually attempt a two-point conversion when they need to catch up, increase their lead by a larger margin, or when game context, such as score and time remaining, dictates the need for more than one point.
4. How do weather conditions affect post-touchdown attempts?
Weather conditions like wind, rain, or snow can impact the accuracy of a kick, making a two-point conversion more appealing in challenging weather situations.
5. Are there any trends in how teams approach post-touchdown attempts?
Yes, there has been a trend towards more aggressive, analytics-driven decision-making, with some teams opting for two-point conversions more frequently based on statistical analysis.
6. What mistakes do teams often make during post-touchdown attempts?
Common mistakes include execution errors like missed kicks or mishandled snaps and misjudging the defensive capabilities of the opposition, leading to failed attempts.
