Field goal

A field goal is a form of scoring in American Football wherein, instead of snapping the ball to a quarterback, the ball is snapped to a placeholder who holds the ball against the ground in such a way that a kicker can kick the ball through the goalpost, often referred to as the "uprights," in order to earn three points.

This is usually attempted on a fourth down in which it is unlikely that another first down or touchdown will be achieved but when gaining any amount of points would be desirable.