field goal etymology

Etymology

The term "field goal" in American football originates from the combination of two words:

• Field: The playing surface where the bulk of the game takes place.
• Goal: The objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.

Meaning and Origin

In American football, a field goal is a scoring play where a player kicks the ball through the goalposts at the opponent's end of the field. The kick is typically attempted after an incomplete pass or a failed running play when the team is close to the opponent's goal line.

Scoring Value:

• Successful field goal within 19 yards: 3 points
• Successful field goal from 20-49 yards: 4 points
• Successful field goal from 50-59 yards or more: 5 points

Historical Significance:

• Field goals were initially worth two points but were changed to three points in 1906.
• The field goal became an important part of football strategy in the early 20th century, as teams began to realize its value in tight games.

• Some of the most famous field goals in NFL history include:

  • "The Ice Bowl" (1967): Green Bay Packers' Bart Starr kicked a game-winning field goal in overtime in sub-zero temperatures.
  • "The Greatest Throw Ever" (1981): San Francisco 49ers' Joe Montana threw a game-winning touchdown pass to Dwight Clark on a last-second field goal attempt.
  • "The Kick" (1998): Buffalo Bills' Steve Christie kicked a 41-yard field goal in sub-freezing temperatures to win the AFC Championship Game.

field goal relate terms

• field

  Etymology The word field derives from the Middle English word feld which itself is d

• brief

  Etymology Origin Old English heafod Meaning Head Meaning The upper part of the

• piece

  Etymology Piece derives from the Old French word piece meaning fragment share por

• goal

  Etymology The word goal derives from the Old French word gole meaning throat or

• till

  Etymology The word till has two distinct etymologies Old English Derived from the O

• home

  Etymology Old English hām meaning dwelling house home Proto Germanic heimaz m

• determination

  Etymology Latin determinare to mark off establish limits fix From de away o

• terminus

  Etymology Latin terminus meaning boundary limit or milestone From Proto Indo

• croft

  Croft Etymology and Meaning Origin Old English Meaning A small enclosed field or piece

• quadraphonic

  Etymology Quadraphonic is derived from the Greek words Tetra τετρά four Ph

• aspiration

  Etymology Late 16th century in the sense the act of aspiring from Latin aspira

• orphan

• athlete

• restaurant

  Etymology The word restaurant comes from the French verb restaurer which means to