What it is

After a touchdown, the team may kick the ball through the uprights for one extra point. It is a short kick and is usually made, but it is not guaranteed.

In a game

A snapper, a holder and a kicker work together: the center snaps, the holder places the ball and the kicker kicks.

More detail

The extra point is attempted from the 15-yard line, which makes it a 33-yard kick, after a rule change in 2015. Before that it was nearly automatic. A defender who blocks an extra point and returns it to the other end zone scores two points for his team.

Animated play

Blue circles are the team with the ball. X marks the other team. The yellow oval is the ball.

1. The ball is placed on the 15-yard line. That makes the kick about 33 yards, because the goal posts stand at the back of the end zone.
2. The long snapper sends the ball back to the holder, who catches it and sets it on the ground.
3. The kicker steps forward and kicks it before the defense can reach him.
4. If the ball goes over the crossbar and between the two uprights, the team gets one point.