In American football, a team has four downs to advance 10 yards and earn a new set of four downs. On 4th down, if short of the line to gain, teams face three choices: punt (kick to push the opponent deep), attempt a field goal (if in range for 3 points), or go for it (attempt to gain the yards needed). Modern analytics show teams should go for it far more often than traditional coaching suggests, particularly in short-yardage situations in the opponent's half.
Key points
- Last of four attempts to gain 10 yards
- Options: punt, field goal, or go for it
- Analytics favour going for it more often
- Short yardage anywhere past midfield: usually go
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