Last updated: 4 October 2026
Reviewed by Jordan Morley, FA Level 2 Football Coach
Down & distance
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Frequently asked questions
When should a team go for it on 4th down?
Modern analytics strongly favour going for it at 4th and 1-2 beyond the opponent's 40-yard line and at 4th and 1-4 in opponent territory below the 40. Most coaches are too conservative — the expected value of going for it outperforms punting or kicking in most of these situations.
What's considered a high-percentage 4th-down conversion attempt?
Analytics generally treat 4th-and-2-or-less as a high-percentage attempt worth taking in most field positions, since conversion rates on short yardage are historically well above 50%, while 4th-and-long attempts drop off sharply and usually favor punting or kicking unless the game situation demands a gamble.