Throwing A Field Goal: Why It's Not A Thing In Football
No, you cannot throw a field goal in football. Under official rules in the NFL, NCAA, and most other organized leagues, a field goal attempt must be kicked-either via a placekick or a drop kick-to score three points. A forward pass or any thrown ball that goes through the uprights does not count as a field goal and results in no score, even if it travels cleanly between the posts.
What Counts as a Field Goal
A scoring play known as a field goal occurs only when the ball is legally kicked through the opponent's goalposts and above the crossbar. This definition has remained consistent across modern football rulebooks, including the NFL Rulebook (updated annually, most recently March 2025) and NCAA Football Rules Committee publications. The essential element is the act of kicking, not throwing, which distinguishes it from all passing or rushing plays.
- A field goal must be executed as a placekick or drop kick.
- The ball must pass between the uprights and above the crossbar.
- The kick can occur during scrimmage downs or after a fair catch (in NCAA only).
- Forward passes through the uprights do not score points.
The goalpost structure itself does not determine scoring; rather, the method of propelling the ball defines whether the attempt is valid. This is why even a perfectly aimed throw into the uprights has no scoring value.
Why Throwing a Field Goal Is Not Allowed
The prohibition on throwing a field goal comes from the foundational rules of play established in the late 19th century. Football evolved from rugby-style kicking games, where scoring relied heavily on foot-based plays. According to historical archives from the Intercollegiate Football Association (circa 1883), kicking was central to scoring, and that tradition persists today.
Allowing thrown field goals would dramatically alter the competitive balance of the game. Quarterbacks could attempt scoring plays from extreme distances, bypassing defensive structures designed to block kicks. Data from a 2024 NFL analytics report shows that elite quarterbacks can throw accurately up to 60-70 yards, while the longest successful field goal in NFL history is 66 yards (Justin Tucker, September 26, 2021). This discrepancy highlights why throwing is excluded from field goal rules.
- Kicking requires specialized skill, maintaining role diversity on teams.
- Defenses are structured to contest kicks, not airborne passes into uprights.
- Game balance would shift heavily toward offenses with strong quarterbacks.
- Historical precedent has consistently defined field goals as kicks only.
The offensive strategy of football depends on clear distinctions between passing, rushing, and kicking plays, ensuring each phase of the game has unique tactical value.
Types of Legal Field Goals
There are two recognized methods for scoring a legal field goal in football. Both involve kicking, but they differ in execution and frequency of use.
- Placekick: The most common method, where the ball is held on the ground by a holder while the kicker strikes it.
- Drop kick: A rare technique where the ball is dropped and kicked as it hits the ground; last successfully used in the NFL by Doug Flutie on January 1, 2006.
The drop kick method is still legal but rarely attempted due to its difficulty and lower success rate. According to NCAA data from 2010-2024, fewer than five drop kick attempts were recorded in Division I games.
Comparison: Kick vs Throw Attempts
The distinction between kicking and throwing becomes clearer when comparing performance metrics in real-game scenarios. The table below illustrates how field goal mechanics differ from passing attempts aimed at the end zone or uprights.
| Aspect | Field Goal (Kick) | Thrown Ball |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Placekick or drop kick | Forward pass |
| Scoring Value | 3 points | 0 points (if through uprights) |
| Max Recorded Distance | 66 yards (NFL record) | 70+ yards (air distance) |
| Success Rate (Pro Level) | ~84% under 50 yards (2024 NFL data) | Not applicable |
| Defensive Response | Block attempt at line | Pass coverage |
This performance comparison shows why the rules separate kicking from throwing: each serves a distinct purpose within gameplay.
Edge Cases and Misconceptions
Some unusual plays create confusion about whether a thrown ball could count as a field goal equivalent. For example, a player might throw the ball toward the uprights during a broken play, but even if it passes cleanly through, officials will not award points. The play is treated as an incomplete pass or turnover on downs.
Another misconception involves the fair catch kick, which is allowed in the NFL and NCAA. After a fair catch, a team can attempt a free kick from the spot of the catch without defensive pressure at the line. However, this is still a kick-not a throw-and must meet all field goal criteria to score.
"The rules are explicit: a field goal is scored by a kick, not by a pass or any other method," states the NFL Officiating Manual (2025 edition).
The official rule language leaves no ambiguity, reinforcing that throwing the ball cannot substitute for kicking in scoring scenarios.
Historical Context of Field Goal Rules
The modern concept of the field goal system dates back to 1883, when Walter Camp introduced standardized scoring values. At that time, field goals were worth five points, emphasizing their importance. Over time, the value was reduced to three points (1904), but the method-kicking-remained unchanged.
In early football, kicking skills were often more critical than passing ability. According to archival statistics from Harvard-Yale games between 1890 and 1910, over 60% of scoring came from kicks. This historical reliance on kicking explains why the scoring tradition persists today.
Modern Gameplay Implications
In today's game, the special teams unit handles field goal attempts, emphasizing specialization. Kickers train specifically for accuracy, trajectory, and consistency, often practicing thousands of repetitions per week. NFL tracking data from 2024 shows that elite kickers maintain an average ball launch angle between 35° and 45°, optimizing clearance over defenders and uprights.
If throwing field goals were allowed, the role of kickers would diminish significantly, altering roster construction and gameplay strategy. Teams would prioritize quarterbacks with strong arms over specialized kicking talent, fundamentally changing the sport's structure.
FAQ
Key concerns and solutions for Throwing A Field Goal Why Its Not A Thing In Football
Can a quarterback throw the ball through the uprights for points?
No, a quarterback cannot score points by throwing the ball through the uprights. Only a legally executed kick counts as a field goal.
Is there any situation where a thrown ball scores like a field goal?
No, there is no situation in football where a thrown ball scores three points. Scoring via the uprights always requires a kick.
What happens if a player accidentally throws the ball through the uprights?
The play is treated as a normal pass. If incomplete, it results in no gain; if caught, it is simply a completed pass with standard yardage.
Are drop kicks still allowed in modern football?
Yes, drop kicks are still legal in both the NFL and NCAA, but they are rarely used due to their difficulty and lower success rate compared to placekicks.
Why are field goals limited to kicks?
Field goals are limited to kicks to preserve the structure, balance, and historical integrity of the game, ensuring distinct roles for passing, rushing, and kicking plays.