Expert: Thom Brooks - 10/26/2008

Question
If a team attempts a field goal on any down prior to the 4th down and it is unsuccessful, can they attempt a field goal again?  Is it different for NFL?

Answer
Sheryl, hello again!

The men in your family are also correct, so maybe your bet is a draw!

The Kicking team can attempt the FG again, unless the Defense had recorvered the ball while in the field of play (live ball) or due to a blocked punt that they recover.  The Kicking team may kick on any down prior to 4th down.  That might be where they didn't want to take the chance of losing possession.  If they kicked on any down prior to the 4th down, it would give them a chance at possession should they commit a penalty, or fumble in which they recover.  

So, if they had a botched play, where the kicker has the ball blocked or mishanndled, they would still have a chance at possession should there be not only a penalty, but a penalty that involves Loss of Down (that I saw last night in a high school game I worked). If they kicked on the 1st, 2nd or 3rd Down, then they could still retain possession and attempt the Field Goal again from the new spot of the ball.   

The Kicking team would not be allowed to continue to make Field Goal attempts because the ball would become dead when it travels out of and/or over the End Zone.  The Defense could recover and return.  The Kicking team could advance the ball had it been kicked, and blocked.


Have a great day and let me know if I can help you win another argument to beat back those Men Folks !!

Thom Brooks



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