Understanding Field Goal Ranges in Football: Factors and Statistics

Kicking a field goal in football isn't just about the strength of the kicker; it's also influenced by environmental factors and strategic decision-making. In this article, we’ll explore the range of field goals, influencing factors, and statistical data to help you understand the nuances of the game.

Factors Influencing Field Goal Range

The distance at which a kicker can reliably make a field goal varies widely from kicker to kicker and can be affected by a range of external elements. These include physical conditions such as altitude, weather, and the specific characteristics of the playing surface. For instance, the thinner air at high altitudes, like in Denver, theoretically allows for longer kicks due to reduced air resistance.

Consider the remarkable 66-yard field goal by Matt Prater in 2013, which occurred right around the opponents' 49-yard line. The ability to consistently make such long field goals is rare, with numerous records being set over the years. The second-longest field goal is 64 yards, with several kicks reaching 63, 62, and 61 yards.

NFL Field Goal Statistics

A recent compilation of data from 2009 to 2019 provides an interesting look into the accuracy of field goals by distance:

Under 20 yards: 100% 20-29 yards: 96-99% 30-39 yards: 85-94% 40-49 yards: 71-85% 50-59 yards: 36-71% 60 yards: 25-30% (very small sample size)

These statistics reveal a significant drop in accuracy for longer field goals, reflecting the challenges faced by even the best kickers from extreme distances.

NFL Rules and Their Impact

The NFL rules penalize missed field goals by awarding the opposing team excellent field position, starting from the line of scrimmage back to where the ball was kicked. This rule change was intended to encourage teams to take more risks on fourth down in no-mans-land, i.e., the area near the opposition's 40-yard line. As a result, teams are more inclined to attempt field goals within their comfort zones to avoid giving away valuable field position.

Field Goal Limitations of NFL Kickers

Most NFL kickers operate within a limited range. For instance, many may struggle to make field goals from beyond 30 yards, making it difficult to attempt field goals from beyond the 13-yard line. Conversely, other kickers can regularly make 50-yard field goals, making it practical to attempt from beyond the 33-yard line. However, the typical limit for most NFL kickers is around the 35-yard line.

Strategic Considerations

When a team attempts to kick the ball through the goalposts to score points, this is referred to as a field goal attempt. The closer to the goalposts the kick is made, the better the chances of success. Therefore, strategic decisions often play a crucial role in choosing the optimal distance for a field goal attempt.

Ultimately, understanding these factors is key to appreciating the art and science of field goal kicking in football. From the physical prowess of the kicker to the external conditions and strategic decision-making, every aspect contributes to the success or failure of a field goal attempt.