Blocked Extra Point Return: What You Need To Know

Have you ever watched a football game and seen a team attempt an extra point after a touchdown, only to have it blocked and then returned for points? It's one of the most exciting and game-changing plays in football, but it can also be a bit confusing if you're not familiar with the rules. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about blocked extra point returns, from the basic mechanics of the play to the specific rules and strategies involved.

Understanding the Basics of a Blocked Extra Point Return

Let's start with the fundamentals. After a team scores a touchdown, they have the option to attempt an extra point (also known as a point-after-touchdown or PAT). This is a one-point attempt where the team lines up approximately two yards from the goal line and tries to kick the ball through the uprights. However, the defense can try to block the kick. If the defense blocks the kick, the ball is live, and a defensive player can pick it up and attempt to run it into the opposite end zone for two points. This is what we call a blocked extra point return, and it's a rare but exhilarating play.

The Importance of Blocking the Kick

Blocking an extra point attempt is no easy feat. It requires precise timing, strength, and athleticism. Defensive players typically try to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt the kicker's timing or trajectory. A successful block can shift the momentum of the game, especially if it leads to a two-point return. The energy on the field and in the stands immediately changes, and it can be a huge psychological boost for the defending team. Coaches often emphasize the importance of special teams, and a blocked extra point is a prime example of how special teams can directly impact the outcome of a game. Imagine the scenario: your team is down by a single point, and a blocked extra point returned for two points puts you ahead. That's the kind of game-changing play that teams dream of.

The Return: A Sprint to the End Zone

Once the kick is blocked, the real excitement begins. Any defensive player who recovers the blocked kick can attempt to advance the ball into the end zone. This is often a chaotic scramble, with players jostling for position and trying to clear a path to the goal line. The player with the ball needs to have good speed, agility, and the ability to make quick decisions. They have to navigate through a sea of players, avoid tackles, and find the quickest route to the end zone. It's a high-pressure situation that requires both physical skill and mental toughness. The roar of the crowd, the adrenaline pumping – it's a moment that players and fans alike will remember.

The Significance of Two Points

Why is a two-point return so significant? In a close game, those two points can be the difference between winning and losing. It’s a sudden shift in the score that can drastically alter the game's strategy. Coaches have to reassess their plans, and teams may need to adjust their offensive or defensive approach. A successful two-point return can also swing the momentum of the game, energizing the defending team and demoralizing the offense. It's a high-risk, high-reward play that adds an extra layer of excitement to the game of football.

Rules Governing Blocked Extra Point Returns

Now, let's dive into the specific rules that govern blocked extra point returns. Understanding these rules is crucial for both players and fans to appreciate the nuances of the play.

The Live Ball Concept

The most important rule to understand is that once the extra point kick is blocked, the ball is live. This means that any player can recover the ball and advance it. Unlike a missed field goal attempt where the ball typically becomes dead, a blocked extra point opens up the possibility of a return. The live ball concept is what makes this play so dynamic and unpredictable. It adds a layer of excitement and strategic complexity to the game.

Who Can Advance the Ball?

Any defensive player who recovers the blocked kick is eligible to advance the ball. This is not limited to the players who were initially involved in the block. If the ball bounces around and a different defensive player picks it up, they can legally run it into the end zone for two points. This element of unpredictability keeps everyone on their toes and adds to the thrill of the play. It's a true team effort, where any player can become a hero in a split second.

The One-Point Safety

There's also a less common but equally important rule to consider: the one-point safety. This occurs if the team attempting the extra point recovers the blocked kick in their own end zone and is downed there. In this scenario, the defensive team is awarded one point. While it's a rare occurrence, it's crucial to understand this rule because it can impact the decision-making process of the offensive team after a blocked kick. For instance, if the ball is blocked and rolling towards their own end zone, the offensive team might try to bat the ball out of the end zone to avoid a one-point safety.

Out-of-Bounds Considerations

Like any other play in football, the ball is considered out of bounds if it crosses the sideline or end line. If a defensive player is running with the blocked kick and steps out of bounds, the play is dead, and the return is unsuccessful. Similarly, if the ball goes out of the end zone, it results in a touchback, and no points are awarded. Players have to be keenly aware of their position on the field and make sure they stay in bounds while attempting to return the ball. It's a combination of speed, agility, and spatial awareness that makes a successful return so impressive.

Penalties and Their Impact

Penalties can also play a significant role in a blocked extra point return. For example, if the defense commits a penalty such as defensive holding or pass interference during the return, the offense may have the option to replay the extra point attempt or accept the penalty yardage. Conversely, if the offense commits a penalty, it could negate the return and result in a loss of yardage. Understanding these penalty implications is vital for both players and coaches to make informed decisions in the heat of the moment.

Strategies for Blocking and Returning Extra Points

Coaches spend countless hours devising strategies for both blocking and returning extra points. These strategies involve everything from personnel decisions to specific play calls. Let's take a look at some of the key tactics used by teams.

Defensive Strategies for Blocking the Kick

The primary goal of the defense is to disrupt the kicker's timing and block the kick. This involves a combination of speed, strength, and coordination. Here are some common strategies:

• Penetration: Defensive players try to penetrate the offensive line quickly to get in front of the kicker. This requires fast, agile players who can slip through gaps and create pressure.
• Timing the Snap: Anticipating the snap count is crucial. Players try to time their jump perfectly to coincide with the snap, giving them a better chance of blocking the kick.
• Specialized Blockers: Some teams designate specific players known for their blocking ability to be on the field for extra point attempts. These players may have a knack for getting their hands up at the right moment or an exceptional ability to penetrate the line.
• Stunt and Blitz Packages: Coaches may design special stunts or blitz packages to confuse the offensive line and create opportunities for a block. This might involve linebackers or defensive backs rushing the kicker from unexpected angles.

Offensive Strategies to Protect the Kick

The offense, of course, is not passive in this situation. Their goal is to protect the kicker and ensure a clean attempt. Here are some tactics they employ:

• Strong Offensive Line Play: The offensive line needs to hold their blocks and prevent any penetration from the defense. This requires strength, technique, and good communication among the linemen.
• Precise Snap and Hold: A bad snap or a poor hold can throw off the kicker's timing and make the kick more susceptible to a block. The snap and hold must be executed flawlessly.
• Shielding the Kicker: The offensive line often forms a protective shield around the kicker, creating a pocket of space that makes it difficult for defenders to get through.
• Quick Kick Execution: Some teams try to execute the kick as quickly as possible to minimize the time the defense has to react. This requires a well-rehearsed operation with everyone working in sync.

Strategies for Returning the Blocked Kick

If the defense manages to block the kick, they need a plan for returning it. Here are some key strategies:

• Designated Returner: Some teams designate a specific player to be the primary returner in case of a blocked kick. This player should have good speed, agility, and vision.
• Blocking Scheme: The other defensive players need to create a path for the returner by blocking the offensive players. This requires quick thinking and coordinated effort.
• Reading the Field: The returner needs to be able to read the field and make quick decisions about which way to run. They need to identify the open lanes and avoid potential tacklers.
• Lateral Movement: Sometimes, the returner may need to move laterally to avoid defenders or create a better angle to the end zone. Agility and quick footwork are essential in these situations.

Famous Blocked Extra Point Returns in Football History

Throughout football history, there have been numerous memorable blocked extra point returns that have changed the course of games. These plays often become legendary, remembered by fans for years to come. Let's highlight a few famous examples.

The Kick-Six (Auburn vs. Alabama, 2013)

One of the most iconic plays in college football history, the Kick-Six occurred in the 2013 Iron Bowl between Auburn and Alabama. With one second left on the clock and the game tied, Alabama attempted a long field goal. Auburn's Chris Davis caught the missed field goal in the end zone and ran it back 109 yards for a game-winning touchdown. While technically a missed field goal return rather than a blocked extra point, the play's impact and excitement are similar, making it a fitting example of a game-changing special teams play.

The Immaculate Block (New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, 2006)

In a Monday Night Football game in 2006, the New Orleans Saints faced the Atlanta Falcons in their first home game since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. With the Saints leading by four points late in the game, the Falcons attempted an extra point. Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked the kick, and teammate Curtis Deloatch recovered it. Although the Saints didn't return it for two points, the blocked kick became a symbol of hope and resilience for the city of New Orleans.

Super Bowl XLIV (New Orleans Saints vs. Indianapolis Colts, 2010)

In Super Bowl XLIV, the New Orleans Saints executed a surprise onside kick to start the second half, which they recovered. This bold play shifted the momentum of the game and helped the Saints secure their first Super Bowl victory. While not a blocked extra point return, this play exemplifies the impact of special teams and the willingness of coaches to take risks in crucial moments.

The Excitement and Impact of Blocked Extra Point Returns

Blocked extra point returns are among the most exciting and unpredictable plays in football. They require a combination of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. These plays can change the momentum of a game, shift the score in dramatic fashion, and create lasting memories for players and fans alike.

The complexity of the rules and strategies involved in blocked extra point returns adds to the intrigue of the game. Coaches and players spend countless hours preparing for these scenarios, knowing that a single play can have a significant impact on the outcome. Whether it's a perfectly timed block, a daring return, or a crucial penalty, the extra point attempt is a microcosm of the larger game of football, filled with excitement, strategy, and the potential for unexpected twists and turns.

So, the next time you're watching a football game and see a team line up for an extra point, remember the potential for a blocked extra point return. You might just witness one of the most thrilling plays in the sport.

In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of a blocked extra point return enhances your appreciation for the game of football. From the initial block to the high-stakes sprint to the end zone, every moment is filled with excitement and strategic significance. These plays are not just about the points; they're about momentum, psychology, and the thrill of the unexpected. Keep an eye out for these game-changing moments, and you'll see why special teams play such a vital role in football.

For more in-depth information on football rules and strategies, you can visit the official website of the National Football League (https://www.nfl.com/).