Can you score exactly 5 points in American football? Yes, you can, but it’s an uncommon scenario, and it typically involves a combination of scoring plays. In American football, points are awarded for various actions. The most common ways to score are through a touchdown (6 points), a field goal (3 points), and an extra point (1 or 2 points). A safety is awarded to the defense for tackling an opponent in their own end zone, resulting in 2 points.
While the standard points in American football are 6, 3, 2, and 1, achieving a score of 5 points requires a unique sequence of events. This blog post will delve into the specific ways this can happen and provide expert tips and tricks to understand and potentially execute these scoring plays. We’ll explore both offensive scoring and defensive scoring scenarios.
Image Source: external-preview.redd.it
The Rare Alchemy of Five Points
Achieving a score of 5 points in a football game is like finding a four-leaf clover – possible, but definitely not an everyday occurrence. It’s a testament to the diverse and sometimes quirky rules of the game. Let’s break down how this particular scoring total can manifest.
The Primary Pathway: Safety and Field Goal
The most straightforward method to reach a 5-point total is by combining a safety and a field goal.
- Safety (2 points): This occurs when the defensive team tackles an offensive player with the ball in their own end zone. It’s a crucial defensive scoring play.
- Field Goal (3 points): This is when a kicker successfully kicks the ball through the uprights of the goalpost during a live play. This is a significant form of kicking points.
Therefore, a team scoring a safety (2 points) and then later in the game kicking a field goal (3 points) would total 5 points.
The Secondary Pathway: The Unlikely Safety Conversion
Another, albeit even rarer, way to reach 5 points involves a safety followed by a specific type of ensuing play.
- Safety (2 points): As explained above, this is the initial score.
- Free Kick (0 points, but leads to the opportunity): After a safety, the team that conceded the points must put the ball back into play with a free kick. This can be a punt, drop kick, or place kick.
- Return for Touchdown (6 points) and Missed Extra Point (0 points): If the team receiving the free kick fumbles the ball, and the kicking team recovers it and runs it into the end zone for a touchdown, that’s 6 points. However, if the kicking team then misses their subsequent extra point attempt (worth 1 point if successful), they would have scored 6 points from this sequence. This scenario does not result in 5 points.
Let’s revisit the safety scenario. The key here is that after a safety, the team that gave up the safety has to kick the ball back to the other team. This is called a free kick.
- Scenario: Team A scores a safety against Team B, giving Team A 2 points.
- The Free Kick: Team B then has to punt or kick the ball back to Team A.
- The Rare Event: On this free kick, Team A returns the ball for a touchdown (6 points). Now, Team A has 2 (safety) + 6 (touchdown) = 8 points. This doesn’t get us to 5.
We need to think about how the kicking team can score.
Let’s re-examine the free kick after a safety.
- Safety (2 points): Team A scores a safety against Team B. Team A now has 2 points.
- Team B’s Free Kick: Team B must kick the ball back to Team A.
- The Crucial Mistake: If Team B attempts a punt and it is blocked and recovered by Team B in Team A’s end zone, that would be a touchdown for Team B (6 points). This again doesn’t lead to 5 points.
The truly rare 5-point play happens if:
- Safety (2 points): Team A scores a safety against Team B. Team A now has 2 points.
- Team B’s Free Kick: Team B kicks the ball to Team A.
- Team A’s Response: Team A catches the kick and advances it. They might be tackled in their own end zone by Team B, resulting in a safety for Team B. This is a crucial distinction.
Let’s consider the scoring team’s perspective for 5 points.
Scenario 1: Team A scores 5 points.
* Team A kicks a field goal (3 points).
* Later, Team B commits a penalty that results in a safety for Team A (2 points).
* Total for Team A: 3 + 2 = 5 points.
Scenario 2: Team A scores 5 points (the truly unusual one).
* Team A scores a safety against Team B (2 points).
* Team B then kicks the ball back to Team A.
* During this free kick, Team A’s returner fumbles the ball. A Team B player recovers the fumble and advances it. However, before reaching the end zone, the Team B player is tackled in their own end zone by a Team A player. This results in a safety for Team A on the ensuing free kick.
* Total for Team A: 2 (initial safety) + 2 (safety on free kick) = 4 points. Still not 5.
Let’s try another way the kicking team can score.
Imagine Team A is trying for a field goal. It is blocked. The ball is live.
- Blocked Field Goal: Team A attempts a field goal, but it’s blocked by Team B. The ball is recovered by Team A (let’s say their kicker or a lineman) inside Team B’s 20-yard line.
- Touchdown: Team A recovers the blocked field goal and runs it into the end zone for a touchdown. This is a touchdown, worth 6 points.
- Missed Extra Point: Team A then misses the subsequent extra point kick.
- Total for Team A: 6 points.
The only way to consistently and logically reach 5 points is through a combination of existing scoring plays. The most reliable method involves:
- Scoring a Field Goal (3 points).
- Later scoring a Safety (2 points).
This combination of kicking points and defensive scoring is the primary method for achieving exactly 5 points.
What about a touchdown plus something else?
- Touchdown (6 points): This already exceeds 5 points. So, a touchdown cannot be part of a 5-point score unless it’s on a play where the scoring team also concedes points, which is highly improbable and not how points are tallied.
What about an extra point and something else?
- Extra Point (1 or 2 points): An extra point alone is not enough. If a team scores a rushing touchdown (6 points), and then attempts an extra point and misses (0 points), their total score from that sequence is 6.
The critical takeaway is that the scoring plays that result in exactly 5 points are rare because they are usually the sum of two separate, distinct scoring events.
Mastering the Scoring Plays: Tips and Tricks
While you can’t directly “score 5 points” in a single play like a touchdown or field goal, you can aim for the combinations that lead to this total.
Offensive Strategies for Scoring
The offense’s primary goal is to get the ball into the end zone or kick it through the uprights.
Achieving Field Goals (3 Points)
A field goal is a fundamental scoring play. Here’s how offenses execute it effectively:
- Snap, Hold, and Kick: This is a three-part operation that requires precise timing and execution.
- The Snap: The long snapper must deliver a clean, high snap to the holder. Accuracy is paramount.
- The Hold: The holder must catch the snap cleanly and place the ball with the laces facing forward, ensuring a stable base for the kicker.
- The Kick: The kicker needs excellent technique, aiming for power and accuracy. They must adjust to the snap and hold in fractions of a second.
- Protection: The offensive line and blocking players are crucial. They must prevent the defense from reaching the kicker or holder. This involves:
- Identifying the Rush: Linemen need to recognize where the defensive rush is coming from.
- Blocking Schemes: Executing assignments to create a pocket for the kicker.
- “Protecting the Edge”: Ensuring no defenders get around the outside of the line.
- Kicker Strength and Accuracy: Kickers are specialized athletes. Their leg strength, flexibility, and mental focus are key. Practice is essential to hone their range and consistency.
Working Towards Touchdowns (6 Points)
Touchdowns are the ultimate offensive goal. They can be achieved through passing or running.
- Passing Touchdowns:
- Quarterback’s Accuracy: A good QB can throw precise passes to receivers.
- Receiver’s Hands and Route Running: Receivers need to catch the ball reliably and run effective routes to get open.
- Play Calling: Coaches design plays to exploit defensive weaknesses.
- Rushing Touchdowns:
- Running Back’s Vision and Power: Running backs need to find holes, break tackles, and power through the defense.
- Offensive Line Blocking: The offensive line creates paths for the runner. This includes both run-blocking assignments and picking up blitzes.
- Fullbacks and Tight Ends: These players often lead the way, clearing paths for the running back.
Defensive Strategies for Scoring
While defense primarily aims to prevent the opponent from scoring, it has its own ways of putting points on the board.
Securing Safeties (2 Points)
A safety is a significant defensive achievement.
- Tackling in the End Zone: The most common way is to tackle the ball carrier in their own end zone. This requires:
- Pursuit Angles: Defenders must chase the ball carrier effectively, cutting off escape routes.
- Tackling Technique: Proper form ensures the ball carrier is brought down.
- Containment: Keeping the ball carrier from getting outside the tackles.
- Forcing Turnovers in the End Zone:
- Interceptions: If a defender intercepts a pass inside their own end zone and downs the ball there, it results in a safety.
- Fumbles: If an offensive player fumbles the ball and it goes out of bounds in their own end zone, it’s a safety.
- Penalties in the End Zone: Certain offensive penalties committed in their own end zone can also result in a safety. For instance, holding the ball in the end zone for too long before being tackled.
Understanding Defensive Scoring Plays
| Scoring Play | Points | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | 2 | Offense tackled in own end zone, or commits penalty, or fumbles out of bounds in own end zone. |
| Interception TD | 6 | Defender intercepts a pass and runs it back to the opponent’s end zone. |
| Fumble Recovery TD | 6 | Defender recovers a fumble and runs it back to the opponent’s end zone. |
| Blocked Kick TD | 6 | Defense blocks a punt or field goal and recovers the ball in the opponent’s end zone. |
| Defensive 2-pt Conv | 2 | In rare situations, if the defense returns a blocked extra point or a fumble during a two-point conversion attempt back to the opponent’s end zone, they score 2 points. |
Special Teams Contributions
Special teams are often overlooked but are vital for field position and scoring.
- Field Goals: As discussed, this is a special teams operation.
- Extra Points: After a touchdown, the scoring team has the option to kick an extra point (1 point) or attempt a two-point conversion (2 points).
- Kicking the Extra Point: This is a shorter, generally easier kick than a field goal.
- Two-Point Conversion: This involves running or passing the ball into the end zone from the 2-yard line. It’s a higher-risk, higher-reward play.
Strategies for Achieving a 5-Point Total
Since 5 points aren’t a single play, you need to think about game flow and combining scoring events.
Game Scenarios Leading to 5 Points
Let’s paint a picture of how a team might accumulate 5 points.
Scenario A: The Field Goal & Safety Combo
- Drive 1: Team A drives down the field but stalls around the opponent’s 30-yard line. They successfully kick a field goal, making the score 3-0.
- Drive 2: Later in the game, Team B faces a difficult situation deep in their own territory. On third down, their quarterback is sacked in the end zone for a safety. Team A now has 2 points from this play.
- Total Score for Team A: 3 (field goal) + 2 (safety) = 5 points.
Scenario B: The Safety & Field Goal Combo (Reverse Order)
- Drive 1: Team A’s defense plays exceptionally well and forces a safety against Team B. Team A now has 2 points.
- Drive 2: Team A gets the ball back after the free kick and later has an opportunity for a field goal from 40 yards out, which they convert.
- Total Score for Team A: 2 (safety) + 3 (field goal) = 5 points.
Scenario C: The Extremely Rare (and Mostly Theoretical) 5-Point Play
This scenario is so improbable it’s rarely discussed, but it’s technically possible under obscure rules. It involves a safety and then a subsequent sequence that awards 3 points.
- Safety (2 points): Team A scores a safety against Team B. Team A has 2 points.
- The Free Kick: Team B kicks the ball back to Team A.
- The Fumble and Recovery: Team A fumbles the free kick. A Team B player recovers the fumble.
- The Penalty: The Team B player who recovered the fumble then commits a penalty that results in a 3-point award for Team A (this is where it gets highly unlikely, as penalties rarely directly award points like this in a way that sums to 3). Most penalties result in yardage or loss of down.
- Note: This specific scenario is highly speculative and does not align with standard football scoring rules where points are awarded for touchdowns, field goals, safeties, and conversions. The “3 points” would need to come from a highly unusual penalty interpretation or a very specific, almost unheard-of rule application.
The overwhelming consensus and practical reality point to the combination of a field goal and a safety as the only reliable way to achieve a 5-point score.
Key Players in 5-Point Scoring Sequences
- Kicker: Essential for the 3-point field goal. Accuracy, leg strength, and composure under pressure are vital.
- Long Snapper: Provides the crucial first step for the field goal operation.
- Holder: Places the ball for the kicker, requiring soft hands and precise placement.
- Offensive Line: Protects the kicker and holder, and opens holes for rushing touchdowns and running plays.
- Defensive Line: Key in generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks to force safeties.
- Linebackers: Often involved in stuffing runs or blitzing, contributing to safeties.
- Defensive Backs: Can intercept passes or make open-field tackles that lead to safeties.
- Quarterback: Leads the offense, makes play calls, and executes passes, including potential rushing touchdowns if they run the ball.
- Running Back: The primary ball carrier, aiming for rushing touchdowns or moving the chains to get into field goal range.
Analyzing Scoring Plays for Efficiency
- Field Goal Efficiency: Teams analyze their kicker’s range, their offensive line’s protection capabilities, and the opponent’s ability to block kicks.
- Safety Tendencies: Teams study opponents to identify tendencies that might lead to safeties, such as poor offensive line play under pressure or conservative play-calling in their own end zone.
- Red Zone Efficiency: This refers to how effectively an offense scores touchdowns or field goals once they are inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a team score 5 points on a single play?
A1: No, in standard American football rules, a single play cannot result in exactly 5 points. Scoring plays are typically worth 1, 2, 3, or 6 points. A 5-point score is achieved by the accumulation of two separate scoring events.
Q2: What are the most common scoring plays in football?
A2: The most common scoring plays are touchdowns (6 points), field goals (3 points), and extra points (1 or 2 points after a touchdown). Safeties (2 points) are less common but still a significant part of the game.
Q3: Is it possible to score 5 points by missing an extra point after a touchdown?
A3: No. If a team scores a touchdown (6 points) and then misses the extra point, their total score from that sequence is 6 points. The missed extra point simply means they didn’t add an additional 1 or 2 points.
Q4: Does a safety give the ball back to the team that scored it?
A4: No, after a safety, the team that committed the safety must put the ball back into play with a free kick (punt, drop kick, or place kick) from their own 20-yard line. The team that scored the safety receives this kick.
Q5: How important are special teams in achieving a 5-point score?
A5: Special teams are crucial, particularly for the 3-point field goal component. The success of the snap, hold, and kick, along with the protection provided by the special teams unit, directly impacts the ability to score those 3 points.
Q6: Are there any defensive plays that directly award 5 points?
A6: No, defensive plays directly award 2 points (safety) or 6 points (interception/fumble return touchdown). A 5-point score requires combining these with other scoring plays like a field goal.
Q7: What are the different ways to score in American football?
A7: The ways to score points in American football are:
* Touchdown: 6 points
* Extra Point (kick): 1 point
* Two-Point Conversion (run or pass): 2 points
* Field Goal: 3 points
* Safety: 2 points
Q8: Can a penalty directly result in 5 points for the opposing team?
A8: Penalties in football typically result in yardage or loss of down. While certain penalties can award a safety (2 points) if committed in the opponent’s end zone, penalties do not directly award 5 points as a standalone scoring event. The combination of scoring plays is key for a 5-point total.
By understanding the individual scoring plays and how they can be combined, you can appreciate the nuances of accumulating points in American football, even the rare feat of reaching exactly 5 points.