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Navy quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada puts the ball over the goal line for a two-point conversion at the 2007 Poinsettia Bowl

In gridiron football, a two-point conversion, two-point convert, or two-point attempt is a play a team attempts instead of kicking a one-point conversion immediately after it scores a touchdown. In a two-point conversion attempt, the team that just scored must run a play from scrimmage close to the opponent's goal line and advance the ball across the goal line in the same manner as if it were scoring a touchdown. If the team succeeds, it earns two points in addition to the six points for the touchdown, for a total of eight points. If the team fails, no additional points are earned.

Conversion attempts are untimed plays in American football, and in the Canadian game they are untimed in the final three minutes of each half. If any time remains in the half, the team that scored the touchdown will proceed to a kickoff after their conversion attempt.

To attempt the two-point conversion, the team that just scored must run a scrimmage from the 5-yard line in amateur Canadian football, 3-yard line in professional Canadian football, 3-yard line in amateur American football, or 2-yard line in professional American football. In professional American football, there is a small dash to denote the line of scrimmage for a two-point conversion; it was also, until 2014, the line of scrimmage for a point-after kick ("extra point").

Various sources estimate the success rate of a two-point conversion to be between 40% and 55%, significantly lower than that of the one-point conversion (which has a 90% to 95% success rate in the NFL),[1] although, because of the higher value, a higher expected value is achieved through the two-point conversion than the extra point.[2][3]

A defense two-point conversion occurs when, during an offense extra point attempt, the defense gains possession of the ball and returns it to the other end zone.

Adoption of rule

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The Arkansas Razorbacks (in white) attempting a two-point conversion, via forward pass, in the 2022 Liberty Bowl

College football

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College football has allowed for a conversion kick since the beginnings of the game (c. 1883), although it was originally worth multiple points.

Further information: Early history of American football § Scoring table

Since 1898, one point has been the value for a conversion kick ("extra point") in college football, and starting in 1922, a conversion could be accomplished in any one of three ways—"By a goal from infield [kick]; by completing a forward pass in the end zone, or by carrying the ball across the line."[4]—each worth a single point.

The two-point conversion rule was instituted in college football in 1958,[5][6][7] in response to an overall decrease in scoring.[8] Per current overtime rules in college football, two-point attempts are mandatory starting with double overtime.

Major professional leagues

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The American Football League (AFL) used the two-point conversion during its ten-season existence from 1960 to 1969. After the AFL–NFL merger, the rule did not immediately carry over to the merged league, though they experimented in 1968 with a compromise rule (see Variants below).

Two-point conversions were adopted in Canadian amateur football and the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 1975.[9] Per current CFL rules, they are mandatory at any point in overtime.

The original United States Football League adopted the two-point conversion rule for its entire existence from 1983 to 1985.

The National Football League (NFL) adopted the two-point conversion rule in 1994, 25 years after the merger.[10][11] Tom Tupa scored the first two-point conversion in NFL history, running in a faked one-point attempt for the Cleveland Browns in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first week of the 1994 season. He scored a total of three such conversions that season, earning him the nickname "Two-Point Tupa". That same season, the first two-point conversion in Super Bowl history came during Super Bowl XXIX when Mark Seay of the San Diego Chargers caught a pass thrown by Stan Humphries.

Other leagues

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The NFL's developmental league, NFL Europe (and its former entity, the World League of American Football), adopted the two-point conversion rule for its entire existence from 1991 through 2007.

The Arena Football League (AFL) has recognized the two-point conversion for its entire existence (in both its original 1987–2008 incarnation and its 2010–2019 revival), allowing for either a play from scrimmage or a drop kick to be worth two points. A drop kick conversion being worth two points is unique to arena football.

In the Alliance of American Football (AAF) (which played part of only one season, 2019), two-point conversion attempts were mandatory after touchdowns.

Six-man football reverses the extra point and the two-point conversion: because there is no offensive line in that game variant, making kick protection more difficult, plays from scrimmage are worth one point but successful kicks are worth two. It is also reversed in many high school football and youth football leagues, since there are not often skilled kickers at that level.[citation needed] A variant of this, especially at the youth level, is to allow one point for a running conversion, two points for a passing conversion, and two points for a successful kick.

Variants

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In 1968, leading up to the AFL–NFL merger, the leagues developed a radical "compromise" rule that reconciled the fact that the NFL did not use the two-point conversion but the AFL did: the relatively easy one-point kick would be eliminated and only a play from scrimmage could score one point called a "pressure point". The rule was used for the interleague matchups for that preseason, and was not tried again.

Both the World Football League and the original XFL revived this concept, making it a point not to institute a two-point conversion rule so as to eliminate the easy kick. What would constitute a two-point conversion in other leagues counted only one point in the AFL–NFL games, WFL, or the first XFL. The WFL called it the "action point", used after touchdowns, which the WFL counted as seven points. However, the first XFL later added a rule in the playoffs that allowed the scoring team to score two (or even three) points by successfully executing a play from a point farther from the opponent's end zone (two points if the team could score from the five-yard line and three points if they could score from the ten-yard line).

Extra point adjustment

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During the summer of 2014, the conversion by place kick was reviewed by the NFL. The proposed format would have awarded seven points for a touchdown without an extra-point attempt, eight points with a successful conversion by running or passing, and six points with an unsuccessful attempt. This new format was proposed because of the almost certain probability of making a conversion by place kick (1,260 out of 1,265 for the 2013 season).[12]

This proposal was never considered at the league owners' meeting in the spring of 2014. Instead, the league used the first two weeks of its preseason for an experiment that moved one-point kick attempts back to the 20-yard line, while two-point conversions remained at the 2-yard line. The league adopted a slightly modified version of this rule starting with the 2015 season, with the line of scrimmage for one-point kick attempts at the 15-yard line instead of the 20. That same year, the CFL also moved back its line of scrimmage for one-point converts to the 25-yard line (while moving the scrimmage line for a two-point convert ahead two yards to the 3-yard line), thus making the length for a one-point attempt the same in both the NFL and CFL (taking into account the NFL's goalposts on the end line, and the CFL's on the goal line).

In college football, the placement of the football remains the same for conversion attempts by any method.

Defensive two-point conversion

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A defensive two-point conversion, also called a two-point return, occurs when, during an offensive after-touchdown extra point attempt, the defense gains possession of the ball and returns it to the other end zone, scoring two points for the defensive team. The team that scored the touchdown then kicks off as normal. The defensive two-point conversion is recognized in American college, professional, and Canadian football (as well as, for a significant period of time, the Arena Football League, where missed extra points were rebounded back into the field of play).

This is rare because of the infrequent use of the two-point conversion and the rarity of blocked conversion kicks, combined with the difficulty of returning the ball the full length of the field. It has proven the winning margin in some games, the first such college game occurring September 10, 1988, when St. John's defeated Iona College, 26–24.[13] Only once has a player scored two defensive two-point conversions in a game: Tony Holmes of the Texas Longhorns in a 1998 game against the Iowa State Cyclones on October 3.

The NFL originally had no provision for defensive two-point conversions, and its rules used to state that a conversion was automatically blown dead and ruled as "no good" as soon as the defense gained possession of the ball. On May 19, 2015, the NFL owners adopted a proposal to permit a defensive two-point conversion for the 2015 season. On May 20, 2016, the owners adopted a further proposal called the two-point fair-play rule: this prevents the defense from getting a turnover during a two-point conversion and then intentionally committing a foul to increase their chance at a two-point return. If the defense gains a turnover and then commits a foul, the offense has the option to accept the penalty and attempt the try again. It has not yet been enforced in the NFL, but a similar rule has been enforced on two occasions in the CFL.[14][15]

Stephone Anthony of the New Orleans Saints became the first NFL player to score a defensive two-point conversion, returning a blocked extra-point kick from Graham Gano of the Carolina Panthers on December 6, 2015.[16] On November 14, 2016, the first game decided by a defensive two-point conversion occurred as Justin Simmons returned a blocked PAT for two points with 1:28 remaining to give the Denver Broncos a 25-23 lead over the New Orleans Saints; the Broncos recovered the subsequent onside kick to seal the win.[17] On December 4, 2016, Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs became the first NFL player to return an interception for a defensive two-point conversion, which was thrown by quarterback Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons.[18] On January 11, 2025, during a Wild Card game between the Texans and Chargers, the Chargers, down 23–6, got 6 more points on the board from Ladd McConkey scoring an 86-yard touchdown to cut Houston's lead to 23–12. However, the Texans blocked the extra point attempt by Chargers kicker Cameron Dicker, and D'Angelo Ross scooped up the ball and ran it all the way back for a defensive two-point conversion, the first one ever in an NFL playoff game.

The NCAA has allowed defensive two-point conversions in college football since the 1988 season. In that first season, there were 20 defensive conversions scored among all NCAA divisions, with two in Division I-A.[19][20][21] The first defensive conversion in NCAA Division I-A was scored by Bill Stone of Rice University in a 54–11 loss to Notre Dame on November 5, 1988.[22][a] The first college player to score a defensive two-point conversion was Rod Beauchamp of Colorado School of Mines on September 3, 1988, in a 36–2 loss to Hastings College, after the Hastings center snapped the ball over the holder's head; even though the rule states the ball cannot be advanced when it hits the ground in this manner, the score stands once the referee declares the game over.[25]

The first defensive conversion following a blocked extra-point kick was scored by Springfield College in a 40–33 win over WPI on September 9, 1988.[26]

High schools that follow the rules of the National Federation of State High School Associations (all U.S. high schools except those in Texas, which uses NCAA rules instead) do not allow defensive runbacks of recovered conversion attempts, and any recovery of the ball by the defense during the try is immediately blown dead and ruled as "no good."

  1. ^ There was a defensive conversion scored in a Division I-A junior varsity (JV) game by Air Force JV in a 27-21 loss to the BYU JV on September 24, 1988.[23] BYU JV surrendered another defensive conversion on October 14, 1988.[24]

Conversion safety

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Further information: Conversion safety

Rules in high school, college and professional football dictate that when a safety occurs during a two-point conversion or point-after kick (officially known in the rulebooks as a try), it is worth one point. It can be scored by the offense in college and professional football (following an NFL rule change in 2015) if the defense obtains possession of a live ball in the field of play, propels the ball into its own end zone, and the ball is then downed there with the defense in possession. This event has only occurred four times in NCAA Division I history. Before 2015, the only scenario in which the offense could have scored a one-point safety in the NFL would have involved, on a conversion attempt in which the ball was not kicked by the offense, the defense kicking or batting a loose ball out the back of the end zone without taking possession of it.[27][28][29][30]

A conversion safety can be earned by the defense if the offense retreats with the ball all the way back into its own end zone. Two potential scenarios include (1) an errant snap or a fumble that is bobbled repeatedly until the offensive team recovers the ball in, or bats the ball through, its own end zone (similar situations have been documented in regular play from scrimmage[31] and are more likely in arena football with its much shorter, narrower and bounded field of play), and (2) a defender attempting a defensive two-point conversion and fumbling the ball, with the offensive team recovering and establishing possession outside the end zone, then downing the ball in its own end zone. Although such a conversion safety has never been scored by the defense, this rule provides the only way in American professional football that a team could finish the game with a score of one point. (Canadian football allows another one-point play called the single or rouge).[32] Following a 2021 rule change in college football, triple overtime and thereafter involves teams attempting two-point conversions rather than running plays from the 25-yard line. The rules regarding safeties on these plays are the same as for any other conversion attempt, opening up additional ways for a team to finish the game with exactly one point (though in this scenario, a game would have to remain scoreless through double overtime to achieve this).

The high school football rulebook acknowledges the conversion safety, awarding one point for it, but also immediately ends a play if the opposing team gains possession of the ball, a rule similar to the one the NFL used before 2015. Thus, any situation that requires the defense to gain possession of the ball cannot result in a conversion safety in games where that rulebook is used.

Choice of one- or two-point attempt

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The coaches' choice of whether to attempt a one- or two-point conversion depends on the game's current score, the amount of time remaining, and their assessment of their team's chance of success.[33]

Analysis of historical data finds that the two-point conversion is successful about half the time, whereas one-point kicks are almost always successful. Therefore, the expected value of both options is roughly similar, with the critical factor being whether the chance of a successful two-point conversion is more or less than half that of a successful kick.[33][34] However, the mathematics regarding maximizing a team's chances of winning are more complicated. For example, late in a game, a team that is one point up after a touchdown would gain little benefit from a one-point attempt, because regardless of success, the team would still lose if the opposition later scored a field goal. In such a situation, the two-point conversion would be the better option. If successful, an opposition field goal would then only tie the game.[33]

A more complicated scenario is when a team is trailing by 14 points. The team could choose to go for two, because, if successful, the team could then kick an extra point following the next score to secure a win. On the other hand, if the two-point conversion fails, the team still has a chance to succeed on the next two-point conversion to get to fourteen. Mathematically, therefore, the minimum probability of converting a two-point try either on the first attempt (securing a win) or the second (securing a tie in regulation time) must be higher than the maximum probability of missing both (securing a loss). This occurs when the probability of missing both is 0.618 × 0.618, or 38.2%.[35] As long as the probability of converting any individual two-point attempt is higher than 38.2% percent, it is optimal to adopt this strategy.[36][37] Notably, Texas Longhorns coach Darrell Royal successfully used this strategy to defeat Arkansas in 1969's Game of the Century.

An analysis can be done for all situations, resulting in a table that can be consulted when a decision is needed.[33] A chart made by UCLA offensive coordinator Dick Vermeil in the early 1970s is one of the most well-known.[38][39]

In practice, two-point conversion attempts are rare, being done only after less than 1-in-10 touchdowns in the NFL.[34] This proportion rose after the one-point kick was moved back to the 15-yard line (see Extra point adjustment above), which increased the difficulty and decreased the success rate of scoring the extra point.[34][40]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Two-point conversion

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
In American football, a two-point conversion is a post-touchdown scoring attempt in which the offensive team, starting from the two-yard line, endeavors to advance the ball into the opponent's end zone via a run or pass play to earn two additional points, serving as an alternative to the one-point extra-point kick attempted from the 15-yard line. This play, known formally as a "Try" under league rules, occurs on a single scrimmage down and allows for various outcomes: a successful touchdown yields two points, while a field goal or safety during the attempt scores one point. The defensive team can also score two points by intercepting a pass, recovering a fumble, or blocking a kick and returning the ball to the opponent's end zone. The two-point conversion was introduced to the () in 1994 as a strategic option to add excitement and variability to games, marking its 30th anniversary in the 2024 season. Prior to this, extra points were limited to kicks, but the rule change—adopted 25 years after the AFL-NFL merger—enabled teams to pursue higher rewards at greater risk, influencing late-game decisions and comebacks. In 2015, the adjusted the extra-point kick distance to the 15-yard line (from two yards) while keeping the two-point attempt at the two-yard line, aiming to balance the options and increase the viability of going for two, as the kick's success rate hovered around 99% previously. Since that modification, two-point conversions have succeeded approximately 47.5% of the time, compared to about 95% for extra-point kicks, prompting coaches to employ advanced for decisions based on down, distance, time remaining, and score differential. Notable historical moments include the first successful NFL two-point conversion, scored by Cleveland Browns punter Tom Tupa on a fake extra-point attempt against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 4, 1994, and dramatic successes in playoffs, such as the Indianapolis Colts' two-point conversion in the 2006 AFC Championship Game, where Peyton Manning passed to Marvin Harrison to tie the score against the New England Patriots. The play extends to other levels of football, including college (NCAA, from the three-yard line) and high school variants, though with slight procedural differences, and has become a staple in international leagues like NFL Europe. Its strategic depth continues to evolve, with recent trends showing increased usage in close contests to prevent opponents from tying via a field goal.

Fundamentals

Definition and Purpose

In , a two-point conversion is a scoring play executed immediately after a , enabling the team that scored the to attempt two additional points by advancing the ball across the opponent's goal line during a single scrimmage down from a designated spot near the end zone, as an alternative to the one-point extra point attempt via kick. A itself awards six points when the ball is advanced into the end zone, triggering this post-touchdown try phase where the offense aims to add to their score without a defensive score intervening. This option applies in both professional leagues like the and collegiate play under NCAA rules, providing a uniform mechanism across levels of the sport. The core purpose of the two-point conversion is to introduce strategic flexibility for teams, allowing coaches to balance the potential for a higher reward against the risk of gaining no points at all, which is particularly valuable in close contests or scenarios where precise score management can determine the outcome. Unlike the more reliable one-point kick, which has a near-certain success rate under standard conditions, the two-point attempt demands offensive execution akin to a short-yardage play, fostering calculated decision-making that can widen leads or narrow deficits effectively. This element enhances game excitement by elevating the stakes of each , encouraging innovative play-calling while maintaining competitive balance. Introduced to add tactical depth to scoring strategies, the two-point conversion expands beyond the traditional extra point routine, though its full evolution across leagues is a broader historical narrative.

Execution and Scoring

In American football, the two-point conversion, also known as a try, is attempted immediately following a touchdown as an untimed scrimmage down, with the game clock remaining stopped throughout the play. The scoring team must advance the ball into the opponent's end zone on a single play from scrimmage to earn two points, and no field goal attempt is permitted during this phase. The ball is spotted at the opponent's two-yard line in the (), centered between the inbounds lines, though the offense may choose a spot between the hash marks before the play clock reaches 25 seconds. In the (NCAA) and (CFL), the ball is instead placed at the three-yard line, midway between the hash marks, with similar options for the offense to select a spot on or between the hash marks. The play commences when the referee signals the ball ready for play, allowing the offense to attempt a run or pass, while the defense aims to prevent advancement. A successful conversion awards two points if any part of the ball breaks the plane of the goal line while in the possession of an inbounds player, following the same criteria as during regular play. The attempt fails and awards no points if the ball does not reach the end zone, the pass is incomplete, the ball goes , or a is recovered only by the fumbler; in such cases, the play ends immediately with the ball declared dead, and no replay is allowed except in response to penalties. Penalties during the try are enforced according to each league's general foul rules, typically resulting in yardage adjustments from the spot of the foul while keeping the attempt live, though options may include replaying the down or applying the penalty to the succeeding kickoff. For instance, an offensive incurs a five-yard penalty and potential loss of down in the and NCAA, potentially nullifying a score if accepted, while defensive holding might move the ball closer to the goal line or allow a replay. In the CFL, similar infractions like time count violations result in five-yard losses, with major fouls enforced on the subsequent kickoff or by repeating the convert. After the try concludes, regardless of outcome, the succeeding kickoff follows standard procedures.

Historical Development

Origins in College Football

The two-point conversion was introduced to by the (NCAA) in 1958 as an optional alternative to the traditional one-point kick after a . Proposed by Fritz Crisler, Michigan's former coach and chair of the NCAA Rules Committee, the rule allowed teams to attempt a scrimmage play from the opponent's three-yard line, awarding two points for a successful run or pass into the end zone. This innovation replaced the sole reliance on kicking, providing coaches with a strategic choice to potentially gain an extra point at the risk of scoring none. The primary motivations for adopting the two-point conversion stemmed from efforts to boost excitement in the game, reduce the frequency of tie games, and diminish dependence on the often unreliable and "dull" one-point , which had a success rate of just 65.3% in 1957 due to narrow goalposts measuring 18 feet, 6 inches apart. Crisler drew inspiration from , where a similar two-point option had been used, aiming to encourage more aggressive and dynamic post-touchdown plays. The rule was implemented as optional from the outset, allowing teams to select either the kick or the scrimmage attempt based on game situations, including close scores where avoiding ties was crucial. In its inaugural 1958 season, the two-point conversion saw significant early adoption across 578 NCAA games, with teams attempting it 1,371 times—outpacing the 1,295 one-point kicks—and achieving a 44.7% success rate, compared to 48.6% for kicks. Usage was particularly high at 51.4% of all post-touchdown conversions, reflecting coaches' enthusiasm for the new option amid kicking inaccuracies. Notable early examples included , which set a single-season record with an average of 2.22 successful two-point conversions per game that year. However, initial enthusiasm was tempered by the inherent risks of the play compared to kicking. The rule's evolution in the pre-1980s period involved minor adjustments rather than major overhauls, maintaining its optional status as a standard feature of NCAA play by . A key tweak came in 1959 when goalposts were widened to 23 feet, 4 inches, improving one-point kick success to 75.4% and causing two-point attempts to decline sharply to 27.7% of conversions by , with a similar 44.2% success rate. This shift highlighted kicking's growing reliability, particularly with the rise of soccer-style placekickers in the and , leading to limited but stable use of the two-point option until later integrations with overtime rules.

Adoption in Professional Leagues

The adopted the two-point conversion in 1960, allowing teams to attempt a scrimmage play from the three-yard line for two points as an alternative to the one-point kick. This rule was used throughout the AFL's existence until the 1970 merger with the , after which it was not retained in the unified league. The introduced the two-point conversion rule in March 1994, when owners unanimously approved the change proposed by the competition committee, with implementation set for the 1994 season. The play was attempted from the opponent's 2-yard line, providing teams the option to score two points via a run or pass instead of the traditional one-point kick. This addition aimed to inject more strategic depth into post-touchdown decisions, reducing the predictability of routine seven-point touchdowns by encouraging coaches to weigh risk against reward. The first successful NFL two-point conversion occurred on September 4, 1994, during Week 1, when punter ran for the score on a fake extra-point attempt against the . Early adoption saw limited usage, with teams attempting the play sparingly as they adjusted to the new option. Over the initial years from 1994 to , the success rate hovered around 45 percent, highlighting the defensive challenge while underscoring its role in adding game unpredictability and rewarding aggressive play-calling. In the Canadian Football League (CFL), the two-point conversion was adopted in 1975, predating the 's implementation and drawing influence from its earlier use as a precursor in starting in 1958. Attempts in the CFL originate from the opponent's 3-yard line, aligning with the league's emphasis on passing and wide-open play styles that favor such high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Like the , the rule's motivations centered on enhancing strategic variety and diminishing the certainty of one-point kicks, though the CFL maintained this format without major alterations until 2015 adjustments to conversion procedures.

Implementation in Other Leagues

In governed by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the two-point conversion was adopted in 1992, allowing teams to attempt a play from the three-yard line as an alternative to the one-point kick after a . Initially optional in some states, the rule became standardized nationwide to promote strategic and align with broader trends in the sport. In overtime periods under NFHS rules, teams must attempt a two-point conversion after any , with the play executed as a run or pass to determine the outcome more decisively. Internationally, the (IFAF) incorporates the two-point conversion in its rules, starting the attempt from the opponent's three-yard line to mirror NCAA procedures for global consistency. This alignment facilitates international competitions and player development, with the snap occurring midway between the hash marks or at the team's chosen spot on or behind the three-yard line. In extra periods, IFAF mandates two-point tries beginning with the second overtime, emphasizing risk and reward in prolonged games. Earlier iterations in leagues like , active from the 1990s to 2007, tested the two-point option from the two-yard line as a developmental ground for rules, contributing to its refinement before wider adoption. In minor professional leagues, implementations vary to enhance excitement and strategy. The 2019 XFL eliminated traditional extra-point kicks, requiring teams to choose between a one-point try from the two-yard line, a two-point try from the five-yard line, or a three-point try from the ten-yard line, all via run or pass. Similarly, the United Football League (UFL), launched in 2024, follows this tiered system with the same yardage options and point values, allowing defensive returns of turnovers to score equivalent points. These adaptations often draw from NCAA and NFL models for uniformity, while some minor leagues mandate two-point attempts in overtime to accelerate resolutions, such as alternating plays from the five-yard line without kicks in the UFL.

Strategic Aspects

Deciding Between One- and Two-Point Conversions

Coaches in must weigh several factors when deciding between attempting a one-point extra point or a two-point conversion after a , with the choice often hinging on the game's score differential and time remaining. In situations where a team trails by one point, coaches typically opt for the one-point to tie the game, especially if more than 15-20 seconds remain, allowing time for further plays; however, with minimal time left, a two-point attempt may be chosen to secure an outright win and avoid . When down by two points, teams frequently go for two early in the game to even the score without needing another score, while a one-point suffices very early to maintain flexibility. Similarly, trailing by eight points in the mid-third quarter prompts a two-point try to position the team for a potential one-point tie or the next . Leading by one point in the second half often leads to a two-point attempt to extend the advantage to a field-goal margin. Additional influences include defensive fatigue, weather conditions, and overall game flow, which can tilt decisions toward riskier plays. Late in games, a fatigued defense may struggle to stop a two-point attempt, particularly after a long drive that exhausts opponents, making the conversion more viable for an aggressive push. Adverse , such as or strong winds, disadvantages kickers more than running or short passing plays used in two-point attempts, prompting teams to forgo the extra point; for instance, in snowy conditions, coaches have successfully opted for two to exploit running strength unaffected by elements. These situational elements underscore the need for coaches to assess real-time dynamics beyond static . Coaching philosophies further shape these choices, ranging from conservative approaches that prioritize the high success rate of one-point kicks—around 94 percent since —to aggressive strategies that embrace two-point tries for potential edges, despite their roughly 48 percent success rate. In playoff games, this influence is particularly pronounced: conservative coaches tend to avoid risks when leading comfortably, reducing attempts, while aggressive coaches may go for two primarily when trailing significantly. , known for bold tactics during his tenure with the , exemplified this in , opting for a two-point conversion after a third-quarter to extend a 24-17 lead over the , aiming to force the opponents into a must-score scenario rather than settling for an 18-point cushion. Such decisions reflect Payton's belief in high-risk calls during pivotal moments to seize momentum, contrasting with more cautious coaches who avoid the downside of a failed two-pointer leaving the team short by an odd number. Ultimately, the balances the security of a near-certain one point against the upside of two, where failure might necessitate an extra score later, but success can decisively alter game outcomes.

Success Rates and Mathematical Analysis

In the (NFL), two-point conversions have succeeded at an overall rate of approximately 48% since their introduction in 1994. In under (NCAA) rules, the historical success rate has hovered around 42%, with early data from the rule's adoption showing an average of 42.7% and more recent figures from the 2000s averaging 40.5%. These rates reflect the inherent risk of attempting a play from the two-yard line compared to the near-certainty of an extra-point kick, which succeeds about 95% of the time. Mathematical analysis of two-point conversions centers on (EV), a key metric in . The EV for a two-point attempt is calculated as EV2=2pEV_{2} = 2p, where pp is the success probability, since failure yields zero points. For a one-point , EV1≈0.95EV_{1} \approx 0.95, assuming a 95% success rate. The breakeven point occurs when 2p>0.952p > 0.95, or p>47.5%p > 47.5\%; thus, two-point conversions become preferable if the team's estimated success rate exceeds this threshold. This framework, derived from historical play data, underscores why coaches weigh situational factors like score differential and time remaining against these probabilities. The evolution of analytics has refined these calculations through advanced models that predict play outcomes and optimal strategies. Statistical approaches, including Poisson distributions for modeling scoring events and play success probabilities, enable teams to simulate game scenarios and estimate when a two-point attempt maximizes win probability. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2010s increased their two-point attempts under data-driven coaching, bucking league norms by leveraging analytics to identify favorable spots, such as late-game situations down by multiple scores. In recent years, success rates have shown variability amid rising attempt volumes driven by analytics adoption. Over the last five NFL seasons through 2024, the league-wide rate stood at 47.6%, slightly above the breakeven but below earlier peaks. The 2024 season saw a dip to 41%, the lowest in 15 years, attributed partly to more aggressive usage in high-pressure moments. In NCAA football, 2020s data indicate a rebound, with conversion rates reaching the highest levels since the 1970s due to increased attempts and tactical shifts. Factors like quarterback mobility have boosted rates in specific contexts; mobile signal-callers enable higher-success run options, such as the "tush push," converting at over 50% in recent NFL data compared to pass attempts at around 43%.

Unusual Scenarios

Defensive Two-Point Conversions

The defensive two-point conversion represents a rare scoring mechanism for the defense during a point-after-touchdown attempt, introduced by the in 2015 alongside broader changes to extra-point procedures. On May 19, 2015, league owners approved rules moving extra-point kicks to the 15-yard line and maintaining two-point conversion attempts at the two-yard line, while adding the provision that the defense could return an , recovery, or blocked kick from the try to the opponent's for two points. This adjustment aimed to increase the strategic value of two-point tries by introducing defensive upside, though it has resulted in infrequent scoring opportunities. Mechanically, the play unfolds during the two-point conversion phase, where the offense attempts to advance the ball from the two-yard line. If the defense secures a turnover—via , recovery, or blocked kick—they may return the ball the length of the field to the opposite , earning two points in a manner akin to a return but confined to the try. The returner must fully cross the goal line for the score to register; if the ball is downed or recovered short of the , the defense receives no points, and the offense's attempt simply fails. The inaugural defensive two-point conversion occurred on December 6, 2015, when linebacker scooped a blocked extra-point kick by defensive tackle Kevin Williams and returned it 98 yards against the , preserving a 14-14 tie in a game the Saints ultimately lost. These events have remained scarce, with 14 recorded through the 2025 season, including four in 2016 alone and only four since 2020; prominent examples include the September 29, 2024, return by defensive back (60 yards against the ) and the most recent on January 11, 2025, when Houston Texans cornerback D'Angelo Ross returned a blocked extra-point attempt 85 yards against the in a playoff game. Such scores carry significant momentum implications, often occurring late in halves and turning a potential one-point gain for the offense into a two-point advantage for the defense, thereby tightening the game's margin without allowing the offense any points from the attempt.

Conversion Safeties

A conversion safety, also known as a one-point , occurs when the defensive team gains possession of the ball during a try after —either a one-point extra point attempt or a two-point conversion—and a defensive player is subsequently tackled in their own . This unusual scoring play awards one point to the offensive team that just scored the touchdown, rather than the typical two points for a in regular play. The rule applies exclusively during the try phase, where the ball is live and remains in play until declared dead, allowing for potential turnovers or fumbles that could lead to this outcome. Under NFL Rule 11, Section 3, Article 2, if the try results in what would ordinarily be a against the defense (no kick attempted), one point is awarded to the offense; similarly, for NCAA rules in Rule 8-3-4, a by the defense during a try scores one point for the offense. The provision has been part of official rulebooks for decades, with the first recorded instance occurring in 1971. Such events are extraordinarily rare, with no occurrences in NFL history as of November 2025, though near-misses have happened, such as in a Week 1 2025 Baltimore Ravens-Buffalo Bills game where Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton nearly caused one on a Bills two-point attempt. In football, only three instances are documented: Syracuse against in 1971, Texas against Texas A&M in 2004, and Oregon against State in the , where a blocked extra-point attempt led to a Kansas State player being tackled in the end zone after recovering the ball. Unlike a standard , which awards two points to the defense, the conversion is valued at one point due to the special scoring context of the try, which limits potential points to one or two overall. Following the award, the team against which the one-point was scored puts the ball in play by a from its own 20-yard line, in both and NCAA rules.

Rule Variations and Adjustments

Differences Across Leagues

The two-point conversion rules vary significantly across major football leagues, primarily in terms of starting yardage, overtime requirements, and procedural nuances influenced by field dimensions or penalty applications. In the (NFL) and the former (AFL), attempts begin from the 2-yard line, providing a shorter distance that aligns with the league's narrower field width of approximately 53⅓ yards between sidelines. This setup facilitates quicker plays but increases defensive proximity, differing from the longer starting positions in other codes. In contrast, the (NCAA), under the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), and the (IFAF) all position the ball at the 3-yard line for two-point attempts, extending the challenge by an additional yard on fields measuring 53⅓ yards wide. The IFAF rules explicitly mirror NCAA procedures for these conversions, including the 3-yard starting spot and options for run or pass plays to cross the goal line. Similarly, the Canadian Football League (CFL) uses a 3-yard line start, but its wider 65-yard field allows for more lateral spacing in formations, potentially altering blocking schemes and pass routes during the attempt. Overtime protocols further highlight these differences, particularly regarding mandatory two-point attempts. The NCAA requires teams to attempt a two-point conversion after any starting in the second period, a rule implemented in 2021 and unchanged through the 2025 season to shorten prolonged games and reduce fatigue. The IFAF adopts a comparable structure, mandating two-point tries from the second extra period onward. In the , however, teams retain the choice between a one-point kick or two-point attempt in all scenarios, without any mandated conversions. High school rules under NFHS follow NCAA closely but do not enforce two-point mandates as early, allowing flexibility in the first period. Additional variations include penalty applications during attempts. In the CFL, fouls on two-point converts—such as holding or illegal contact—are enforced under general scrimmage rules, with options to repeat the play from the previous spot or apply yardage on the next kickoff, though no specific fair catch interference exists since fair catches are not part of CFL kicking plays. This contrasts with leagues like the , where defensive returns of interceptions or fumbles can score but are dead once the offense regains possession.

Changes to Extra Point Rules

In 2015, the () implemented a significant rule adjustment to the extra point kick, moving the from the 2-yard line to the 15-yard line, effectively increasing the kick distance to 33 yards. This change, approved by owners on May 19, 2015, also made the play live, allowing the defense to return a blocked kick, , or for two points. Prior to this, extra point success rates hovered around 99%, rendering the attempt nearly automatic; post-change, the rate fell to approximately 94% in 2015 and has remained in that range, with 92.5% in 2021 marking the lowest since 1979. The primary motivation behind the adjustment was to restore balance between the one-point kick and the two-point conversion, which had success rates around 48% but were rarely attempted due to the reliability of the short kick. By reducing the of the extra point to about 0.94 points while the two-point conversion offered roughly 0.96 points at (assuming 48% success), the rule encouraged more strategic decisions and added excitement to post-touchdown plays. This shift has led to a gradual increase in two-point attempts; through the 2024 season, teams attempted two points after about 9.8% of touchdowns, with trends into maintaining roughly 10% usage amid ongoing analytics-driven . In contrast, the (NCAA) has not altered the extra point kick distance in recent decades, with attempts still originating from the 3-yard line, resulting in a shorter kick of about 19-25 yards and consistently high success rates exceeding 97%. Introduced in 1958 alongside the two-point conversion option, this setup has maintained the extra point as a low-risk choice in , limiting the relative impact of the two-point play despite its availability for over six decades. While NCAA rules allow defensive returns on failed extra points for two points since 1988, the unchanged kick distance has kept two-point attempts infrequent, typically under 5% of touchdowns, as the expected value favors the reliable one-point option.

References

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