Learning Football Series (Part 1): How Does Scoring Work? Touchdowns, Field Goals & More Explained

A Personal Story: How My Wife Learned Football to Connect With Me

When my wife and I first started dating, she quickly realized that football wasn’t just a game in our house—it was practically a second language.

As a football coach, I lived and breathed the sport, but to her it sounded like a jumble of words: “touchdown,” “safety,” “two-point conversion.”

At first, she didn’t get it.

And honestly?

She didn’t care.

But what she did care about was me.

She wanted to understand football—not to become an expert, not to coach a team, but simply so she could talk with me about something that mattered in my world.

That small effort meant everything.

Over time, she began to ask, “So wait, that’s six points, right?” or “Why did they kick instead of run?”

Those conversations didn’t just make football season more fun, they made us closer.

That’s the power of learning enough about football scoring: it’s not about memorizing stats—it’s about connection.

Quick Breakdown: Football Scoring Basics

• Touchdown = 6 points (scored when the ball is carried or caught in the end zone)

• Point After Touchdown (PAT) = 1 point (kicked after a touchdown)

• Two-Point Conversion = 2 points (run or pass into the end zone after a touchdown)

• Field Goal = 3 points (kicked through the uprights, not after a touchdown)

• Safety = 2 points (defense tackles offense in their own end zone)

That’s it.

If you remember these five, you’ll understand 90% of what people mean when they talk about football scoring.

The 5 Problems That Stop People from Learning Football (And How to Fix Them)

1. “It feels too complicated.”

Football scoring can look like a math equation gone wrong: six points, three points, two points… huh?

Simple Step: Start with the basics—touchdowns are always worth six. From there, everything else builds around that.

You don’t need to memorize the entire rulebook, just get comfortable with the foundation.

2. “Everyone else already knows more than me.”

It’s intimidating to sit in a group where people throw around terms like “pick-six” or “onside kick.”

Simple Step: Remember, you don’t need to know everything—you just need a few go-to conversation starters like, “That was a big play, huh?” or “Why did they go for two?” Asking questions is part of learning.

3. “The game moves too fast.”

By the time you figure out what happened, the commentators are already three plays ahead.

Simple Step: Focus only on the scoring plays at first. Touchdowns, field goals, safeties. If you can recognize those moments, you’ll feel confident joining the conversation.

4. “I’m afraid I’ll ask a dumb question.”

This one stops a lot of people. But here’s the truth: football is filled with confusing rules. Even seasoned fans debate them!

Simple Step: Find someone you trust and ask them one or two “beginner questions” each game. People love to explain the sport they’re passionate about.

5. “I just don’t find it interesting.”

Not everyone loves football. And that’s okay. But if the people around you do, it can feel isolating not to understand what they’re talking about.

Simple Step: Don’t force yourself to love the game—focus on loving the people. Learn the basics so you can join the conversations, laugh at the replays, and be part of the moment.

Loving Message to Squish

Squish,

Here’s what I want you to know: learning something new isn’t about being the best at it.

Sometimes, it’s simply about understanding enough to connect with the people you love.

Your mom didn’t study football because she wanted to play or coach.

She did it because she wanted to connect with me.

That’s what makes learning so powerful—it builds bridges.

I hope you always stay curious and open to learning, even when it feels new or hard.

All Our Love,

Dad and Mom

Mindful Final Thought

Football doesn’t have to be intimidating.

You don’t need to memorize every penalty or know every player’s name.

If you can remember how touchdowns, field goals, extra points, and safeties work, you’ll be able to hold your own in any conversation this season.

So next time you’re at a game or watching with friends, take a deep breath, smile, and jump in.

You’ll be surprised how much fun it is to be part of the excitement—even if you’re still learning.