What is 2 point conversion?

A two-point conversion is a play in American and Canadian football that allows a team to score two points after scoring a touchdown. It is an alternative to the more common one-point conversion by kicking an extra point after a touchdown.

Here are some important details about the two-point conversion:

1. Purpose: The main objective of attempting a two-point conversion is to gain two additional points instead of the typical one-point conversion. This can be a strategic move by a team if they are trailing by a certain number of points and want to reduce the deficit.

2. Execution: A two-point conversion can be attempted after a team scores a touchdown. Instead of kicking an extra point, the team starts with the ball on the opponent's two-yard line in the NFL, or the three-yard line in college football. They then have just one play to reach the end zone.

3. Options: The offensive team has several options while attempting a two-point conversion. They can run the ball into the end zone, pass the ball to a receiver (similar to a regular touchdown), or execute a trick play. The play selection may depend on the team's strategy and the defensive formation of the opposing team.

4. Scoring: If the two-point conversion attempt is successful and the offensive team reaches the end zone, they are awarded two points. However, if the conversion fails (for example, the pass is incomplete or the runner is stopped short of the end zone), the offense does not score any additional points.

5. Strategy: Teams typically reserve attempts at a two-point conversion for specific situations. For example, if a team is down by multiple scores late in a game, they may attempt a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown to potentially cut the deficit with fewer drives remaining.

6. Risk versus Reward: While scoring two points can significantly impact the outcome of a game, attempting a two-point conversion carries a higher risk compared to a one-point conversion. If the attempt fails, the offensive team sacrifices an extra point, leaving them with fewer scoring options.

7. Rule Differences: The rules for the two-point conversion vary slightly between the NFL and college football. In the NFL, the conversion starts from the opponent's two-yard line, while in college football, it begins from the three-yard line.

Overall, the two-point conversion adds excitement to the game and provides teams with an opportunity to quickly change the score in their favor. Its strategic usage can often influence the outcome of close matches.