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In American football, a safety is a scoring play that occurs when the offensive team makes a mistake in their own end zone, resulting in the defensive team being awarded points.
A safety is worth two points and is one of the less common ways to score in the game, but it can significantly impact the outcome of a match.
How a Safety is Scored
A safety can occur in several situations:
- Tackling in the End Zone: If an offensive player with the ball is tackled in their own end zone, it results in a safety. For instance, if a quarterback is sacked while attempting to escape the end zone or if a running back is tackled after being pushed back into the end zone, the defensive team scores two points.
- Fumbling the Ball Out of the End Zone: If an offensive player fumbles the ball and it goes out of bounds in the end zone, a safety is awarded. This often happens during special teams plays, such as a botched snap during a punt attempt.
- Committing a Foul in the End Zone: If the offense commits a penalty in their own end zone (such as holding or intentional grounding), it can also result in a safety. According to the NFL rules, a safety occurs when "an impetus by a team sends the ball behind its own goal line, and the ball is dead in the end zone in its possession, or the ball is out of bounds behind the goal line".
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The Significance of a Safety
While safeties are relatively rare compared to touchdowns and field goals, they can have a significant impact on the game. Here’s why:
- Scoring Points: The two points awarded for a safety can be crucial in close games, providing the defensive team with an opportunity to gain momentum.
- Change of Possession: After a safety is scored, the team that was scored upon must kick the ball to the opposing team from their own 20-yard line. This gives the scoring team an opportunity to regain possession and potentially score again.
- Psychological Impact: Safeties can demoralize the offensive team, particularly if they occur due to mistakes or poor execution. This can shift the momentum of the game in favor of the defensive team.
What Happens After a Safety?
After a safety is awarded, the following occurs:
- Free Kick: The team that was scored upon must perform a free kick from their own 20-yard line. This can be a punt, dropkick, or placekick. The receiving team can then attempt to advance the ball from wherever it is caught or downed.
- Possession Change: The scoring team takes possession of the ball, giving them a chance to build on their lead.
A safety is a unique and impactful scoring play in American football, worth two points and often resulting from errors made by the offensive team in their own end zone. Understanding how safeties are scored and their implications on the game can enhance your appreciation of the sport. While they may not occur frequently, safeties can change the dynamics of a game and are an essential aspect of football strategy.
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