Fourth-and-long near midfield presents a familiar choice: try to keep the drive alive, or send out the kicker and take three points? A field goal is often the safer option, but the score, distance, clock, weather and confidence in the offense can all change the call.
When teams use a field goal
A team can attempt a field goal on any down, but it is most commonly used on fourth down. If the offense is close enough to the goalposts, a successful kick scores three points. The alternative might be to punt, attempt to gain a first down, or—near the goal line—try to score a touchdown.
Coaches often choose the kick when the offense has reached a useful scoring position but is unlikely to convert the next down. For example, on fourth-and-8 near the opponent’s 25-yard line, a field goal may offer a better chance of adding points than asking the offense to gain eight yards. The decision is less straightforward if the team needs a touchdown, or if a successful first down would keep a late-game drive alive.
Common situations for a field goal
- Fourth down within kicking range: The offense has come up short of a first down but is close enough for the kicker to have a reasonable attempt.
- Near halftime or the end of a game: A team may kick before time expires rather than risk a failed conversion and leave without points.
- To extend a lead or take the lead: Three points can matter greatly in a close game, especially when a field goal changes the score from a tie to a lead.
- When a touchdown is unlikely: A team may prefer a kick to going for it on fourth down in a difficult spot.
These are not automatic choices. A team trailing by four late in the game needs a touchdown, so a field goal would not be enough to take the lead. By contrast, if a team trails by two and has a reliable kicker in range, three points can put it ahead.
How a field goal works
A field goal is a kick made from scrimmage. The long snapper sends the ball to a holder, who places it upright for the kicker. The kick scores if it travels above the crossbar and between the uprights. In the NFL, the uprights are 18 feet, 6 inches apart, and the crossbar is 10 feet above the ground.
The listed distance of a field goal includes more than the yards from the line of scrimmage to the goal line. The holder is several yards behind the line, and the goalposts sit beyond the end zone. As a practical rule of thumb, add about 17 yards to the ball’s position to estimate the kick distance. So a snap from the opponent’s 30-yard line creates roughly a 47-yard attempt.
The kicker has to deal with more than distance. Wind, rain, cold, the angle of the kick and pressure from the defense can all affect the attempt. A kick from the middle of the field is generally a simpler angle than one from near the sideline, where the kicker has less room between the ball and the upright.
Field goal, punt or going for it?
On fourth down, the coach is weighing risk against reward. A field goal gives three points if successful, but a miss hands the ball to the opponent. A punt can push the opponent farther from scoring, while going for it offers a chance to keep possession or score a touchdown—but failure also gives the opponent the ball.
The score and remaining time often matter more than the kick’s distance alone. Imagine a team trailing by one point with 40 seconds left and facing fourth-and-4 near the edge of its kicker’s range. A successful field goal could win the game, so attempting it may make sense. If the same team is down by five, three points would still leave it behind; it may need to go for a touchdown instead.
Coaches also consider the kicker’s range and recent performance, the protection unit’s ability to block, and the defense’s likelihood of returning a miss. A kicker who has made long attempts in similar conditions may inspire confidence, but no distance is a guaranteed make. Teams sometimes choose to punt or attempt a first down from a distance where they might try a field goal in better weather or with a different score.
What happens if the kick misses?
If the ball sails wide or falls short, the field goal is unsuccessful and the kicking team earns no points. The opponent takes possession. The exact spot for the next play depends on the league’s rules and where the ball was kicked from, so it is best not to assume that every miss gives the opposing offense the ball at the same yard line.
A kick can also be blocked. If the defense blocks it and recovers the ball, it can start a possession or attempt a return. A blocked kick that remains live can create a scramble, which is one reason field-goal protection matters as much as the kicker’s technique.
Some teams use a fake field goal when the defense expects a kick. The holder may run or pass, or the kicker may receive the ball, in an effort to gain a first down or score. It is a high-risk play, typically saved for a situation where the surprise and potential reward justify not taking the kick.
How a field goal differs from an extra point
A field goal during a normal drive is worth three points. After a touchdown, the scoring team can attempt a one-point conversion kick, commonly called an extra point, or run or pass the ball into the end zone for a two-point conversion. The extra-point kick uses the same basic kind of kick, but it is a post-touchdown scoring attempt rather than a field goal chosen to score three points during a possession.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a team attempt a field goal before fourth down?
Yes. A team can attempt one on any down, although it usually makes more sense on fourth down. Attempting a kick earlier would give up the chance to use the remaining downs to advance the ball.
How many points is a field goal worth?
A successful field goal is worth three points. A successful kick after a touchdown is usually worth one point and is called an extra point.
Is there a maximum distance for a field goal?
There is no fixed maximum distance in the rules. In practice, a kicker’s range depends on ability, conditions, the angle of the attempt and the team’s confidence in its protection.
Why would a team punt instead of trying a field goal?
If the kick is unlikely to succeed, a punt may put the opponent in a worse starting position. A team might also punt when it is too far away for a realistic kick and too far from a first down to justify going for it.
Final Thoughts
Teams use a field goal when three points are worth the risk of giving up the ball—most often on fourth down, near the end of a half, or in a close game where a kick can change the lead. The best choice depends on the situation, not just the yard line. Score, clock, weather, field position and the kicker’s range all shape the decision.
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.