Missed FG Spot?

[temptation]

Watched a team lineup for a 55 yard field goal tonight which fell short.

Was watching on mute so I had no explanation but on the ensuing possession the other team started on the 20?

Have I had my head in the sand on this rule?

Can anyone shed some light on this one?

 

[JustRules]

A FG is essentially a punt that score points. If the FG is no good, the ball will be put in play as if it were punted. If it's a touchback it will go back to the 20. If it rolls dead at the 3, the receiving team will start at the 3. Sounds like it may have been a touchback in your case. This has been the rule in HS since I started officiating in 2001. I'm sure it's been around a lot longer than that. Most missed FGs end up being touchbacks and they are often snapped inside the 20 so you probably never saw one like this.

[Impartial_Observer]

9 hours ago, temptation said:

Watched a team lineup for a 55 yard field goal tonight which fell short.

Was watching on mute so I had no explanation but on the ensuing possession the other team started on the 20?

Have I had my head in the sand on this rule?

Can anyone shed some light on this one?

 

Seems to be a school of thought our FG kicker can kick it farther than our punter, so instead of punting they attempt a FG. It’s literally a punt with the opportunity to score three points. 

[temptation]

23 minutes ago, Impartial_Observer said:

Seems to be a school of thought our FG kicker can kick it farther than our punter, so instead of punting they attempt a FG. It’s literally a punt with the opportunity to score three points. 

So, for argument’s sake, I could lineup from my own 20 yard line if I have faith that my kicker can kick it farther than my punter would?

[Irishman]

29 minutes ago, temptation said:

So, for argument’s sake, I could lineup from my own 20 yard line if I have faith that my kicker can kick it farther than my punter would?

Yep….just have to worry about protection and coverage. You usually need bigger guys to protect and they are not as good in coverage like a punt team is. 
 

I saw the play too. The kick did not miss by a whole lot. It was on target, but short. Even for a miss, it was an impressive kick. 

[Impartial_Observer]

10 hours ago, temptation said:

So, for argument’s sake, I could lineup from my own 20 yard line if I have faith that my kicker can kick it farther than my punter would?

Dat’s da fact Jack!

[JustRules]

On 10/18/2025 at 8:39 AM, Irishman said:

Yep….just have to worry about protection and coverage. You usually need bigger guys to protect and they are not as good in coverage like a punt team is. 
 

I saw the play too. The kick did not miss by a whole lot. It was on target, but short. Even for a miss, it was an impressive kick. 

This is exactly why most teams don't do this once they think about it. Plus add in the fact there is a lot more than can go wrong with a snap, hold, and kick than just a snap to the punter. Plus the kick is made closer to the LOS from a lower angle so it's more likely to get blocked than a punt. The risk doesn't always outweigh the reward. I think it's more likely a decent risk if you are just outside your kicker's FG range. He/she may be able to get a great kick and score 3 points. If it's just short, it will still be a touchback at the 20 which could possibly happen on a punt. Unlike a kick in college (line of scrimmage outside the 20) or NFL (spot of the kick), you aren't giving up good field position on a missed FG.