In American football, when a team scores a touchdown, they are given the opportunity to attempt a post-touchdown conversion, which can add extra points to their score. There are two primary ways this can happen, each with different levels of risk and reward:
1. Extra Point (Point After Touchdown – PAT)
- After a touchdown, teams traditionally kick an extra point (or PAT), which is worth 1 point. The ball is placed at the 15-yard line, and the team attempts to kick the ball through the uprights. This is generally considered the safer option, as most professional kickers have high success rates with PATs.
2. Two-Point Conversion
- Alternatively, the team can choose to go for a two-point conversion, a higher-risk play that, if successful, will add 2 points. For this play, the ball is placed at the opponent’s 2-yard line, and the offensive team must get the ball into the end zone either by passing or running. The two-point conversion is often used in high-pressure situations or when the game is close, and teams need more than just one point to tie or take the lead.
Why the Post-Touchdown Attempt Matters
c. If a team is ahead or behind by a narrow margin, deciding whether to kick for one point or go for two can make a big difference in the outcome.
