In American football, a successful kick, most commonly a field goal, is worth three points. But what is the true value, the return on investment (ROI), of a kick in the grander scheme of football strategy and success? This article delves into the multifaceted worth of kicking in the sport, exploring its direct scoring impact, its influence on game momentum, and the financial implications surrounding the specialized role of a football kicker.
The Direct Value of Kicking Points
At its most basic level, a kick in football is a direct contributor to the scoreboard. The most frequent application of a kick for scoring purposes is the field goal value, which consistently awards three points for a kick. This is a fundamental aspect of scoring in football. Beyond the field goal, a kick also plays a crucial role in the extra point attempt, commonly known as a PAT (Point After Touchdown). Following a touchdown, a team has the option to attempt a kick for one point or a two-point conversion. Therefore, a successful extra point kick adds one point to the total score.
The football score breakdown clearly illustrates the significance of these kicking points:
- Touchdown: 6 points
- Extra Point Kick: 1 point (most common)
- Two-Point Conversion: 2 points
- Field Goal: 3 points
- Safety: 2 points
These figures highlight how a successful kick, whether for an extra point or a field goal, can be the deciding factor in a close game. The ability to consistently convert these opportunities is a hallmark of strong special teams scoring.
Fathoming the Field Goal’s Worth
The value of a field goal extends beyond the three points it directly provides. It represents a critical decision-making point for coaches. When a team faces a fourth down and is within reasonable kicking distance of the opponent’s goalposts, the coach must weigh the potential of gaining three points against the risk of failing to convert and giving the opponent good field position.
Consider these scenarios:
- Late-game situations: A three-point lead can be a powerful advantage, forcing the opponent to score quickly. A successful field goal can effectively seal a victory or put a team in a commanding position.
- Breaking a tie: In a tied game, a field goal provides a crucial lead, shifting the psychological advantage to the kicking team.
- Avoiding a turnover on downs: If a team is too far for a comfortable field goal but unlikely to convert a fourth down into a first down, kicking might be the safer option to avoid handing the ball over to the opposition in a prime scoring area.
The accuracy of kicks is paramount here. A kicker who can reliably make field goals from 40-50 yards can significantly increase a team’s offensive efficiency and scoring potential. This reliability directly translates into more wins.
The Strategic Importance of Kicking
Beyond direct scoring, the act of kicking in football carries significant strategic weight. It influences game flow, forces opponent reactions, and can even dictate offensive play-calling.
Punting: The Field Position Game
While not a scoring kick, the punt is a critical kicking play that profoundly impacts the game. The primary goal of a punt is to maximize field position. A well-executed punt can push the opposing offense deep into their own territory, forcing them to drive a longer distance to score. This increases the likelihood of mistakes, penalties, or a stalled drive.
The value of a good punter lies in their ability to:
- Achieve hang time: Longer hang time gives coverage units more time to get downfield and tackle the returner.
- Pin the opponent inside their 20-yard line: This is a highly desirable outcome, creating a “long field” for the offense.
- Avoid touchbacks: A punt that goes into the end zone results in the ball being placed at the 20-yard line, negating the benefit of a long punt.
- Minimize directional kicking mistakes: A punt shanked out of bounds on the wrong side of the field can give the opponent excellent field position.
The value of a field goal is often amplified by the success of the punting game. By consistently forcing opponents into difficult field position, the offense is more likely to be in a range where a field goal is a viable option.
Kickoffs: Setting the Tone
Kickoffs, while not directly scoring points, are also crucial. They initiate play and can set the tone for a drive. A strong kickoff can:
- Prevent a touchback: This forces the receiving team to start from their own 25-yard line, a more advantageous starting point than if the ball is downed in the end zone.
- Allow for onside kicks: While risky, successful onside kicks can give a team possession of the ball, creating a significant momentum swing.
- Minimize return yards: A well-placed kick can limit the returner’s ability to break tackles or find open space, giving the defense a better starting point.
The football scoring methods might not directly account for a strong kickoff, but its impact on field position and momentum can indirectly lead to scoring opportunities.
The Kicker: A Specialized Athlete
The increasing specialization in football has elevated the role of the kicker. These athletes are not just players; they are specialists whose entire performance hinges on their ability to execute under pressure.
The Skill Set of a Kicker
The accuracy of kicks is the most obvious attribute. A kicker must possess:
- Precision: Consistently hitting the ball between the uprights.
- Leg strength: Ability to kick the ball the required distance, especially on longer field goals.
- Technique: A repeatable and reliable kicking motion.
- Mental toughness: The ability to perform under extreme pressure, often with the game on the line.
The mental aspect is often underestimated. Kickers face the pressure of knowing that a miss could cost their team a game. This requires a unique blend of physical skill and psychological fortitude.
Football Kicker Salary and Economic Value
The specialized skill set and pressure-filled role of a kicker are reflected in their compensation. The football kicker salary can vary widely based on experience, performance, and league. Top-tier NFL kickers can earn millions of dollars annually.
The economic value of a kicker can be seen in several ways:
- Game-winning kicks: A kicker who consistently delivers game-winning field goals is invaluable to a team’s success and, by extension, its financial prosperity (through increased fan engagement, merchandise sales, etc.).
- Consistent scoring: A reliable kicker ensures that a team doesn’t leave points on the field, which can have a tangible impact on win-loss records and playoff berths.
- Free agency value: Kickers who prove to be clutch performers often command significant contracts in free agency as teams recognize the ROI of a dependable kicking game.
The points for a kick might be fixed, but the value of those points, and the player who delivers them, is far more dynamic and economically significant.
Analyzing Kick Performance: Metrics and ROI
To truly gauge the worth of a kick, we need to look beyond simple point totals and examine performance metrics.
Key Kicking Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage (FG%): This is the most common metric, representing the percentage of field goal attempts made. A higher FG% indicates greater accuracy of kicks.
- Longest Field Goal Made: This highlights a kicker’s leg strength and ability to perform under pressure from extended distances.
- Percentage of Kicks Made from Different Yard Lines: Analyzing performance by distance provides a more nuanced view of a kicker’s capabilities.
- Pressure Kicks: Some advanced metrics attempt to quantify performance in close games or late in quarters, but these are not as universally tracked as basic FG%.
- Extra Point Percentage (XP%): While often overlooked, consistency on PATs is also crucial for football scoring methods.
Calculating the ROI of a Kicker
Calculating the precise ROI of a kicker is complex, as it involves intangible factors like momentum and psychological impact. However, we can attempt to quantify it by considering:
- Points contributed directly: The total points scored via field goals and extra points.
- Impact on win probability: This is harder to measure but can be inferred. A kicker who converts a game-winning field goal has a massive positive ROI for that specific moment.
- Cost (Salary): The kicker’s contract.
A simplified approach could be:
ROI = (Total Points Scored via Kicks / Kicker’s Salary) * 100
However, this is a very basic calculation. A more sophisticated analysis would factor in:
- The value of a win: How much is a single win worth to a team (in terms of playoff revenue, fan engagement, etc.)?
- Percentage of wins attributable to kicker’s points: This requires game-by-game analysis.
- Opportunity cost: What would the team have scored if they didn’t attempt a kick (e.g., going for it on fourth down)?
The value of a field goal is not just the three points, but also the potential to avoid scoring zero points on a given possession, which is a common outcome for failed fourth-down attempts.
The Evolution of Kicking in Football
The role and perceived value of the kicker have evolved significantly over the decades.
Early Days vs. Modern Football
In the early days of football, kicking was often a secondary skill for players who also played other positions. Field goals were less frequent, and longer attempts were rare. The game was more focused on rushing and short passing.
Today, with the increasing sophistication of offensive schemes and the emphasis on passing, teams often find themselves in situations where a field goal attempt is the most logical way to convert a drive into points. This has led to:
- Increased reliance on kickers: Teams need reliable specialists.
- Development of specialized training: Kickers now train year-round with specialized coaches.
- Higher expectations for distance and accuracy: Kickers are expected to make kicks from longer distances.
The evolution of the field goal value has also been influenced by rule changes and strategic shifts. The increased emphasis on passing means teams are often spread out more, creating clearer lanes for kickers.
The Mental Game: Pressure Kicking
The psychological aspect of kicking is a major factor in its perceived worth. While a 30-yard field goal might seem straightforward, the pressure associated with a game-winning attempt in the final seconds elevates the difficulty immensely.
- The “Yips”: Even highly skilled kickers can suffer from a sudden and inexplicable loss of confidence or control, known as the “yips.”
- Crowd noise and environmental factors: Wind, rain, and loud opposing crowds can all impact a kick.
- Team expectations: The entire team and fan base often look to the kicker in crucial moments.
This mental fortitude is a key component of the value of a field goal, as the ability to consistently perform under such duress is rare and highly prized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How many points is a field goal worth in football?
A1: A field goal is worth three points.
Q2: Can a kick be worth more or less than three points?
A2: Yes. An extra point kick after a touchdown is worth one point. A failed field goal or extra point attempt results in zero points.
Q3: Who is responsible for kicking in football?
A3: The player specializing in kicking is called a kicker. They are part of the special teams unit.
Q4: How does a kicker’s salary compare to other players?
A4: A football kicker salary can range significantly, but top NFL kickers earn multi-million dollar contracts annually, often comparable to backup quarterbacks or starting offensive linemen, reflecting their specialized and crucial role.
Q5: What factors influence the value of a field goal attempt?
A5: The value of a field goal is influenced by the score of the game, the time remaining, the distance of the kick, the kicker’s accuracy of kicks, and the potential consequences of not making the kick (e.g., turning the ball over on downs).
Q6: How important is special teams scoring to a team’s overall success?
A6: Special teams scoring, particularly from field goals and extra points, can be the difference between winning and losing close games, making it a vital component of a team’s success.
Q7: What are the different football scoring methods?
A7: The primary football scoring methods include touchdowns (6 points), extra points (1 or 2 points), field goals (3 points), and safeties (2 points).
In conclusion, the worth of a kick in football is far more than just the points it delivers. It’s a strategic weapon, a test of mental fortitude, and a significant economic factor. From the precise execution of the field goal value to the strategic positioning provided by a punt, kicking is an indispensable element of the game, directly impacting scoring in football and ultimately, the outcome of contests. The football kicker salary reflects this importance, as teams invest heavily in specialists who can consistently provide crucial kicking points, thereby enhancing their overall ROI on the gridiron.