A kick in football can be worth anywhere from 1 to 7 points, depending on the type of kick and the situation in the game. What is a kick worth in football? The most common kicks are extra points after a touchdown, which are worth 1 point, and field goals, which are worth 3 points. However, there are also situations where a kick can contribute to a two-point conversion, effectively being worth 2 points.
Football is a game of inches, and every play, every decision, and every point matters. But when we talk about the value of a kick, it’s not always as straightforward as adding up the numbers on the scoreboard. We’re not just talking about the points scored; we’re also talking about the strategy, the momentum, and even the financial implications for the players who specialize in these crucial plays. Let’s dive deep into the true value of a kick in the world of American football.
Deconstructing the Kick: A Point-by-Point Breakdown
The primary function of a kick in football is to add points to a team’s score. This can happen in several distinct ways, each with its own point value and strategic considerations.
Scoring a Kick: The Fundamental Ways
- Extra Point (PAT – Point After Touchdown): After a team scores a touchdown, they have the opportunity to add extra points. The most common method is a kick, which, if successful, is worth 1 point. This is the most frequent type of kick conversion.
- Field Goal: A field goal is attempted when a team chooses to kick the ball through the uprights of the goalpost rather than attempting to score a touchdown. A successful field goal is worth 3 points. This is a strategic decision, often made when a team is within striking distance of the end zone but might not be able to convert a first down or score a touchdown.
- Two-Point Conversion: While not a kick in the traditional sense of kicking off the ground, a team can opt to attempt a two-point conversion instead of the extra point kick. This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from a short distance (usually the 2-yard line). If successful, it’s worth 2 points. While a kick isn’t directly involved in the scoring, the decision not to kick is a crucial part of the strategic value of scoring after a touchdown. Sometimes, a fake field goal attempt can also lead to a touchdown, where a kick would have been the primary play.
The Value of a Kick Conversion Points
The points for a kick directly impact the scoreboard and the outcome of the game. The field goal value of 3 points can change the complexion of a game significantly, especially in close contests. A successful extra point (1 point) might seem minor, but in a game decided by a single point, its importance is magnified. The football kick scoring aspect is fundamental to how games are won and lost.
Extra Point Value: The Small But Mighty Point
The extra point value is often taken for granted. It’s the follow-up to a touchdown, a celebratory moment for the offense. However, in the NFL, the distance for the extra point was moved back to the 15-yard line, making it more challenging and increasing the pressure on the placekicker. A missed extra point can be a costly error.
Touchdown Points: The Foundation of Scoring
It’s important to remember that all these kicking opportunities stem from scoring touchdown points, which are worth 6 points. So, the total potential points after a touchdown can range from 6 (no conversion attempt) to 6 + 1 (PAT) = 7 points, or 6 + 2 (two-point conversion) = 8 points. This highlights how the kick conversion is a multiplier on the initial score.
The Strategic Depth of Kicking
Beyond the raw points, the decision to kick, or not to kick, is a complex strategic element that requires deep consideration.
Field Goal Distance: A Gamble with Varying Rewards
The field goal distance is a critical factor. Kickers are rated on their range and accuracy. A 20-yard field goal is almost a guaranteed 3 points for a professional kicker. However, a 50-yard field goal, or even longer, carries a much higher risk of a miss. The potential reward of 3 points must be weighed against the possibility of no points, or even a turnover if the kick is blocked and returned by the opposing team.
- Short Field Goals (Under 40 yards): Generally considered high-percentage attempts. Teams will almost always opt for these when in range.
- Medium Field Goals (40-50 yards): The success rate starts to dip. The decision here might depend on the kicker’s strength and prevailing weather conditions.
- Long Field Goals (50+ yards): These are high-risk, high-reward plays. Coaches will often consider the game situation, the kicker’s capabilities, and the potential for a turnover before attempting these.
The Art of the Fake: When a Kick Becomes a Pass or Run
Coaches sometimes employ a “fake field goal.” In this scenario, the team lines up as if to kick, but instead of kicking, the holder (often the punter) or the snapper passes or runs the ball. If successful, this play can result in a touchdown (6 points) or a first down that keeps the drive alive. This showcases a different kind of value for a kick – the threat of it.
The Player: The Placekicker’s Role and Compensation
The value of a kick is also reflected in the specialized role of the placekicker and, consequently, their compensation.
Placekicker Compensation: An Investment in Precision
Placekickers are specialists. Their ability to consistently convert extra points and field goals is vital to a team’s success. Due to the high-pressure nature of their role and the specialized skills required, placekickers often command significant salaries in professional football.
- Skillset: It requires a unique blend of strength, accuracy, flexibility, and mental fortitude.
- Pressure: Kickers face immense pressure, especially in crucial moments. A missed kick can be the difference between a win and a loss, and public perception can be harsh.
- Contract Value: The average salary for an NFL placekicker can range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars annually, depending on their experience, success rate, and the team’s investment in the position. This financial valuation directly correlates with the perceived importance of their primary duty: scoring points via kicks.
Beyond the Scoreboard: Intangible Value
The value of a kick extends beyond the tangible points on the scoreboard.
Momentum and Morale
A successful long field goal or a clutch extra point can swing the momentum of a game dramatically. It can energize the kicking team and their fans, while demoralizing the opposition. Conversely, a missed kick, especially a routine one, can have the opposite effect, creating doubt and uncertainty.
Strategic Advantage
The threat of a reliable kicker can influence the opposing team’s defensive strategy. Teams might play differently, knowing that a solid kicker can put points on the board from distance. This can force defenses to cover the field more broadly, potentially opening up opportunities elsewhere.
Comparing Kick Values Across Different Football Leagues
While the fundamental point values remain consistent in American football, subtle differences can exist in how kicks are utilized and perceived in various leagues.
NFL vs. College Football
In college football, the extra point was historically from the 3-yard line, making it a near-certain 1 point. While the NFL moved it back to the 15-yard line to increase the challenge, college football has also experimented with this rule change in recent years to add more drama. Field goal distances are also a factor, with college kickers sometimes having slightly different ranges due to developmental stages.
The “Two-Point Conversion” Strategy
The rise in the use of the two-point conversion in professional football, particularly in the NFL, has also altered the strategic landscape around kicks. Teams are more willing to go for two after a touchdown, especially when trailing late in a game or when trying to keep pace with a high-scoring opponent. This decision directly impacts the potential points for a kick, as it’s an alternative to the standard 1-point PAT.
Metrics That Define Kick Value
How do we quantify the value of a kick beyond just the points? Analysts and coaches often look at various metrics.
Success Rate by Distance
- Percentage: The most basic measure is the kicker’s success rate from different field goal distances.
- Critical Situations: How does the kicker perform in the final minutes of a close game? This is often referred to as “clutch kicking.”
Expected Points Added (EPA)
While not solely tied to kicks, Expected Points Added is a metric that can illustrate the value of a successful kick. A field goal that turns a 0-0 tie into a 3-0 lead has a higher EPA than a field goal that extends a lead from 10-0 to 13-0. Similarly, an extra point that puts a team up by two scores (e.g., 14-7 to 15-7) can have a greater impact on the probability of winning than one that makes it 7-0 to 7-1.
Historical Perspectives on Kicking
The role and perception of the kicker have evolved significantly throughout football history.
Early Days: Less Specialization
In the early days of football, players often played multiple positions. Kicking duties might have been handled by a player who was also a halfback or a defensive back. The specialized placekicker compensation was not as pronounced because the position itself was less specialized.
The Rise of the Specialist
As the game evolved, so did the specialization of positions. The need for a dedicated player who could consistently kick extra points and field goals became apparent. This led to the development of the modern placekicker, a position demanding unique skills and focus. This specialization also led to increased recognition and financial reward for players like Adam Vinatieri, considered one of the greatest kickers of all time due to his clutch performances.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kick Value
Q: What is the highest number of points a kick can contribute to in a single play?
A: A kick itself is typically worth 1 or 3 points. However, a fake field goal that results in a touchdown (which is not a kick conversion) scores 6 points. The closest a direct kick gets to a higher value is indirectly, if a team opts for a two-point conversion instead of kicking the extra point, effectively valuing the “attempt” at 2 points.
Q: Can a kick be worth more than 3 points?
A: No, a direct kick for points is either 1 point (extra point) or 3 points (field goal). The value of a kick in a broader strategic sense can be higher if it leads to a win or a significant momentum shift, but the direct points awarded are fixed.
Q: How does weather affect the value of a kick?
A: Adverse weather conditions like wind, rain, or snow can significantly decrease the reliability of a kick, effectively increasing the risk associated with attempting a field goal. In such conditions, the “value” of a longer kick might be perceived as lower due to the higher probability of a miss.
Q: Who is the highest-paid kicker in the NFL?
A: The highest-paid kicker in the NFL can vary based on current contracts. However, players like Justin Tucker have historically been among the highest earners due to their consistent performance and long-range accuracy, demonstrating the financial worth placed on elite kicking.
Q: What is a “kick conversion”?
A: A kick conversion refers to scoring points via a kick after a touchdown. The most common is the extra point (1 point), but a team can also attempt a two-point conversion (by running or passing), which is not a kick conversion.
The true value of a kick in football is a multifaceted concept. It’s the tangible points on the board, the strategic gamble based on field goal distance, the critical moment of scoring a kick, and the specialized skill set of the placekicker. From the basic extra point value to the game-changing field goal value, each kick plays a vital role. And in a game where touchdown points are the ultimate goal, the ability to consistently add to that score via kicks ensures the kicker remains one of the most valuable and anxiously watched players on the field. The kick conversion points are the quiet heroes of many football victories, often decided by the leg of a single, highly-paid specialist.