What it is

Field position is where on the field a team has the ball. Good field position means being closer to the opponent’s end zone.

In a game

A short field makes scoring easier, and a long one makes it harder. Punting, returns and turnovers all change field position.

More detail

That is why coaches value punters and returners, and why they sometimes punt on fourth down in their own half instead of risking a turnover. In a close game, a few yards can matter a lot.