Rules for an NFL Catch Touchdown
Few events excite a sporting crowd than a pass as it arcs through the air into the end zone. There are so many variables riding on the play, which makes it thrilling to the crowd. There may be no more pressure-filled situation in sports than when a defensive back is in the end zone covering a receiver and the ball is in the air. Unlike a regular pass, this one is for keeps. A catch means 6 points and being the goat in front of thousands of fans as the receiver gets to gloat.
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What Is a touchdown?
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According to the NFL rule book, a touchdown is ruled when any part of the ball that is in the possession of a receiver breaks the plane of the goal line.
End Zone
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The end zone is a 10-yard deep, 160-foot wide piece of turf where players are allowed to maneuver in order to catch a touchdown pass.
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Catch in the End Zone
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Any eligible receiver who catches the ball, gains control and has two feet on the ground within the end zone, scores a touchdown.
Running Into the End Zone
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A player who catches the ball outside of the end zone can score by having the ball cross the plane of the end zone, which is a 1-foot stripe that separates the end zone from the playing field.
Hitting a Pylon
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Two pylons mark the sides of the end zone. If a player running with the ball after the catch hits one of the pylons with the football, then a touchdown is scored.
Penalty Touchdown
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The NFL rules say a touchdown can be awarded on a pass if the opposing team does something that is "palpably" unfair, such as run off the sidelines to tackle a receiver with the ball. However, if a defender knocks a receiver down in the end zone illegally before he can catch the ball, then the offense gets the ball at the 1-yard line.
No Push Out
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Many fans mistakenly think that a touchdown is scored if a player gets possession of the ball before being pushed out of bounds by a defender.
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