A PAT might seem like a simple follow-up to a touchdown, but there’s more strategy involved than most fans realize.
Coaches must weigh nearly automatic kicks against higher-risk two-point conversions, factoring in the score, timing, and even the potential for the defense to turn the play around. The choices aren’t just about points; they can reshape the flow of a game in seconds.
From the mechanics of each attempt to the rare moments when the defense strikes back, understanding PATs reveals a layer of football that casual viewers often miss. Let’s break down how these plays really work.
PAT Football Meaning
PAT stands for Point After Touchdown. It’s a bonus scoring play that happens immediately after a team scores a touchdown, and the team gets to choose between two options: kick for one point or run/pass for two.
It’s not a separate drive. The play starts right away, while both teams are still on the field from the touchdown.
You’ll also hear it called the “extra point.” Technically, that term refers to the kick specifically. But broadcasters and fans use both terms to mean the same thing, regardless of which option the team lines up to attempt.
How Does the Pat Play Actually Work?
There are two ways a team can score on a PAT. The mechanics of each are simple, but they produce different results on the scoreboard.
| Feature | Extra Point Kick (PAT) | Two-Point Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| When attempted | After a touchdown | After a touchdown |
| Points awarded | 1 point | 2 points |
| Snap location | NFL: 15-yard line; College/High School: 3-yard line | 2-yard line |
| Method | Kick through uprights | Run or pass into the end zone |
| Resemblance | Looks like a field goal | Similar to a standard touchdown play |
| Risk/Reward | Lower risk, usually automatic; moved back in the NFL to add challenge | Higher risk; success not guaranteed, but yields more points |
The PAT kick is a lower-risk, almost automatic way to add one point after a touchdown, while the Two-Point Conversion offers a higher reward but carries greater risk. NFL rules moved the PAT back to make it less automatic and increase strategic decision-making.
Can the Defense Score on a PAT?
During a PAT or two-point conversion, the defense can score. If a kick is blocked or a turnover occurs, they can return it to the opposite end zone for two points.
Two things are worth noting here:
- Defensive score is always 2 points: Regardless of which option the offense attempted, a blocked kick or a returned interception produces the same result.
- PAT is a live play for both teams: A blocked kick isn’t just a missed point. It’s a chance for the defense to swing the scoreboard by 2, potentially flipping a close game instantly.
If you watch football at the high school level, check the rules for your specific state association. The NFL and college football both allow the defensive return. High school rules vary, and some state associations handle them differently.
When Do Coaches Choose the Kick vs. the Two-Point Conversion?
Coaches choose between an extra point kick or a two-point conversion after a touchdown. The decision balances success rates, game context, and strategy, with analytics influencing more aggressive early attempts.
Extra Point Kick vs. Two-Point Conversion
| Feature | Extra Point Kick | Two-Point Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Success Rate | 94–96% in the NFL | Around 50% |
| Points Awarded | 1 point | 2 points |
| Risk | Low, almost automatic | Higher, less certain |
| Typical Use | Default choice | Strategic, depends on score |
| Game Impact | Usually safe, adds a single point | Can tie or extend lead, changes game math |
Understanding the Decision
The kick is the default choice because it works most of the time. Coaches usually pick it without much deliberation.
However, the context of the score can shift that choice:
- Down by 2 late: A kick still loses; a two-point conversion ties the game.
- Down by 8 after a touchdown: A kick makes it a 1-point game; a conversion ties it.
- Up by 1 late: A conversion extends the lead enough that a field goal can’t beat you.
- Multiple scores needed: Some coaches go for two points early to simplify scoring combinations.
Analytics has pushed some teams to attempt two-point conversions more aggressively, even outside late-game situations. The long-term value of two points sometimes outweighs the risk, though not every coach agrees.
The kick remains the default for most situations but is no longer treated as an automatic, guaranteed choice.
Conclusion
While a PAT might look straightforward, the layers of strategy behind it are surprisingly intricate.
Coaches balance near-certain kicks against riskier two-point attempts, consider defensive possibilities, and adjust for game situations and analytics. Each decision can shift momentum, influence late-game outcomes, and even alter scoring math in ways most fans don’t notice.
Knowing how PATs function adds a new perspective on why every point and every choice matters. Whether it’s a kick, a two-point conversion, or a defensive return, these moments can define a game.
Keep an eye on the scoreboard: the small plays often have the biggest impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does PAT Stand for In Football?
PAT stands for Point After Touchdown. It’s the bonus scoring play that happens immediately after a team scores a touchdown. The scoring team chooses between two options: kick the ball through the uprights for one point, or run/pass it into the end zone for two. Both options are called a PAT.
How Far is a PAT Kick in the NFL?
The ball is snapped from the 15-yard line. Accounting for end zone depth and the distance of the snap, that makes it a 33-yard kick attempt. In college and high school football, the snap comes from the 3-yard line, a significantly shorter and easier distance to cover.
What is the Difference Between a PAT and a Field Goal?
Both involve kicking the ball through the uprights, but they’re separate plays with different values. A field goal happens during a normal drive and is worth three points. A PAT only occurs after a touchdown and is worth one point. They look identical on screen; the difference is when they happen and what they’re worth.
What Happens if a PAT Kick is Blocked?
The play stays live. The defense can recover the ball and return it to the opposite end zone. If they make it, they score 2 points. The same applies to a two-point conversion attempt; a fumble or interception can be returned by the defense for 2 points. It’s not a dead play the moment something goes wrong for the offense.
