A team can move the chains without scoring, or score without earning another set of downs. That’s the key to telling a first down apart from a field goal: one keeps an offense’s drive alive, while the other puts points on the scoreboard.
The basic difference
A first down is a new opportunity for the offense to run four plays, called downs, to reach the line to gain. In most situations, that line is 10 yards ahead. If the offense gets there—or crosses it—the chains move and the team gets a fresh set of four downs.
A field goal is a scoring play. The kicker sends the ball through the uprights and above the crossbar, earning the offense three points. It’s commonly attempted on fourth down when the team is close enough to kick but does not want to risk trying for the yards it needs.
| Feature | First down | Field goal |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A new set of downs for the offense | A kick that scores points |
| Effect on score | None by itself | Three points if successful |
| How it happens | The offense reaches the line to gain, or receives an automatic first down on certain penalties | The ball passes through the uprights above the crossbar |
| Typical situation | Any down on which the offense reaches the line to gain | Often fourth down, when the team chooses to kick |
How a first down works
Downs are the offense’s chances to advance the ball. The situation is usually announced with a number and a distance, such as second-and-6: it’s the second play of the series, and the offense needs six more yards for a first down.
Say a team faces third-and-4. The quarterback completes a pass to a receiver, who runs six yards before being tackled. The ball has passed the line to gain, so the team earns a first down. The next play is first-and-10, unless the offense is close enough to the goal line that the distance is shorter.
A first down doesn’t add points. It simply gives the offense more chances to continue its possession. The offense can earn one with a run, a completed pass, or certain penalties. For instance, some defensive penalties include an automatic first down even when the penalty yardage alone would not have reached the line to gain.
There’s one other common use of the phrase: “first down” can mean the first play in a set of downs. So “first-and-10” describes both the down number and the usual distance the team needs to travel.
How a field goal works
On a field-goal attempt, the holder places the ball for the kicker, who tries to send it between the uprights. A successful kick is worth three points, whether it comes early or late in the game. The defending team tries to block the kick, but the ball must still pass above the crossbar and between the posts to count.
Teams often consider a field goal on fourth down. Suppose it’s fourth-and-8 and the offense is within reasonable kicking range. The coach can send out the kicker for three points, try a pass or run to gain the eight yards, or sometimes punt to push the opponent farther from the end zone. The choice depends on the score, time remaining, field position, and confidence in the offense and kicker.
Kick distance is longer than the distance from the line of scrimmage to the goal line. The holder sets up behind the line, and the goal posts are at the back of the end zone. As a rough guide, add about 17 yards to the ball’s position on the field: a kick attempted from the opponent’s 25-yard line is typically described as a 42-yard field goal. The exact distance can vary with the snap and hold.
If a field goal goes through, the offense gets three points and the opponent typically receives the ensuing kickoff. If the kick misses, the other team gets the ball, with the precise spot depending on the situation and the applicable rules.
Why the two often come up together
First downs and field goals are different outcomes, but the same drive can involve both. A team might earn several first downs while moving downfield, then face fourth down near the opponent’s 25. If it kicks successfully, the drive ends with three points. If it instead tries to gain the remaining yards, it could earn a first down and keep the drive going—or fail and turn the ball over.
That decision is part of the strategy. A first down can be more valuable than three points when a team needs a touchdown or believes it can convert. A field goal can be the sensible choice when the kick is manageable and the offense wants to take points rather than risk coming away empty-handed.
Don’t confuse a field goal with an extra-point kick, either. Both involve kicking the ball through the uprights, but an extra point comes after a touchdown and is worth one point under standard rules. A field goal during a team’s possession is worth three.
Related Articles
- Why Is the Field Goal Important in American Football?
- What Is a First Down in American Football?
- What Is the Goal Line in American Football? Explained
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a team score a first down?
No. A first down is not a scoring play; it renews the offense’s chances to advance the ball. The offense can earn a first down and later score, but the down itself is worth no points.
Is a field goal always attempted on fourth down?
No. Teams can attempt one on any down, but it is usually a fourth-down choice. Kicking earlier would normally use up an opportunity the offense could spend trying to reach the line to gain.
How many points is a field goal worth?
A successful field goal is worth three points. An extra-point kick after a touchdown is worth one, even though it also goes through the uprights.
What happens if a team misses a field goal?
The kick earns no points, and the opposing team generally takes possession. The exact placement of the ball depends on where and how the attempt ended.
Final Thoughts
Think of a first down as a chance to keep the drive going and a field goal as a way to score three points. One changes the offense’s opportunities; the other changes the scoreboard. Once you separate those jobs, play calls such as going for it on fourth down or sending out the kicker make much more sense.
Aiden Cross is a sports writer and editor at BeliveSports, covering a broad range of sports with a focus on clear, accurate, and practical information. His work covers rules, techniques, player roles, competitions, equipment, statistics, and the details that help readers better understand how different sports are played. Aiden takes a research-driven approach to sports writing, using reliable sources and established sporting information to provide context rather than simply repeating surface-level facts. His goal is to make complex topics accessible while maintaining the accuracy and depth expected by knowledgeable sports fans. At BeliveSports, Aiden contributes to the site’s editorial standards by focusing on accuracy, clarity, useful context, and reader-first explanations.