Punting, Field Goals, and "Going for it"

If a team is not able to get move the ball 10 yards in 3 downs (plays), then the team has two options: 1) punt, 2) kick a field goal, or 3) "go for it"

1) PUNT: The goal is to kick the ball as far into the opponent territory as possible so they will have to move the ball a very long way to be able to score. Below is an example of punting. Unfortunately for the team that punted, it was returned a very long way for a touchdown.


2) FIELD GOAL: If the team is close enough, they can try to kick the ball through the goal posts. If they are successful, they get 3 points. If they fail, the other team gets possession of the ball.


3) GO FOR IT: On 4th down, the offense can also choose to run or pass one more time to try to complete 10 yards for a 1st down. If they fail, then the other team takes possession of the ball. This is a risky play because if they they fail then the other team gets the ball, often close to their own endzone so they don't have to move the ball very far to be able to score. Teams will often take this risk if they only have 1 or 2 yards left to make a 1st down. Here's a video of a 4th down attempt that was unsuccessful.