Out of all the NFL terminologies, a touchdown is the most common one doing the rounds. It is also the most important one, keeping in mind the impact it can have on the overall outcome of the game. Due to a touchdown’s high reward tendency, a team often wants to score as many as possible in a game.
Now, while it might seem like a pretty straightforward task, some technical sides are involved, too. But do not worry; we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about an NFL touchdown.
What Is An NFL Touchdown?
As per the NFL rules, a touchdown refers to when, “the ball is on, above, or behind the plane of the opponents’ goal line (extended) and is in possession of a runner who has advanced from the field of play into the end zone.” In simple words, a touchdown is scored when a player successfully crosses the end zone of their opponent with the ball.
PAYTON WILSON TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/y1a13QFQxl
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Now, there are many ways in which a team can score a touchdown. Typically, a player from the offense would sprint towards the end zone while dodging the defenders. However, players can also score a touchdown by passing or collecting a live ball within the end zone of their opponent.
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History Of Touchdown In The NFL
The touchdown rule has persisted in American football since its start. While the TD was in effect from 1876, the modern-day rules came into effect only from 1912. It was back then that the modern rule of a touchdown, along with the endzone, was incorporated for the first time. Prior to the change in rules, a forward pass received beyond the goal line led to a loss of possession. Such a play was termed a touchback.
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How Many Points Are A Touchdown Worth?
A touchdown is typically worth 6 points. However, there can be a Point After Touchdown(PAT) and a 2-point conversion after a touchdown. In the case of the Point After Touchdown, a field goal is usually scored, which grants the team on the attack an extra point. This is the most common form of bonus point that teams opt for immediately after a touchdown is scored.
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However, in order to maximize the points, there is also the opportunity for a 2-point conversion. In such a situation, the team scoring the touchdown gets the leverage to run another play. They can also secure two additional points. The players on the offense would need to spot the ball on the 3-yard line to run the play and cross the goal line. Now, while this tactic surely gives 8 points to a team, it also involves high risk. This is because while running towards the goal line or while throwing the ball to the endzone, the team needs to thwart the opposing defenders from intercepting.
What Is Breaking The Plane In The NFL?
In case of a touchdown in the NFL, the athlete holding the ball need not cross the goal line himself. Instead, he must ensure that the play is inbound towards his opponent. The ball must also be in firm possession of the attacker when attempting to score a touchdown. However, the most important criterion to consider is that the ball must break the plane. Breaking the plane is a term used to describe how the ball crosses or breaks the plane of the goal line in order to call it a touchdown. The officials present at the goal line closely monitor the proper execution of the rule. Whether the football crosses or breaks the imaginary 3D plane of the goal line when a touchdown has been executed is ensured by these officials.
Thus, the touchdown is surely a fantastic play to execute in order to gain a stronghold in the game. Using this technique, teams trailing at the last moment can totally bounce back with a 6-, 7-, or 8-point touchdown, which can totally change the entire complexion of the game.
