Fake field goal
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A fake field goal is a trick play in American football. It involves a running or passing play executed from a field goal formation. Usually, the holder (often the punter or backup quarterback) will throw the ball or run with it. Less frequently, the placekicker, who virtually never handles the ball in an American football game, will serve as the passer or rusher.
During a fake field goal, most teams will choose one of two different alignment options. The first is out of a normal field goal formation. The holder receives the snap and can either pitch it to the kicker, throw it during a designed pass play, or run with the ball. The second option is to shift into a special formation just before the ball is snapped, from which a variety of plays can be attempted.
The same concept can be used during a conversion (extra point) attempt, although it is more likely to occur in college football since 2015 when the National Football League (NFL) increased the distance from which an extra point is attempted.
There are some advantages to running a fake field goal or extra point. If it is a field goal, the team has the chance to either score a touchdown or extend a drive (if the ball is advanced enough yards for a first down). On an extra point attempt, the team has the chance of scoring two points instead of one, as it is a two-point conversion if completed successfully.
