How is a safety scored in American football?

In American football, a safety is a method of scoring that occurs when the defensive team tackles an offensive player in possession of the ball in their own end zone. It results in the defensive team being awarded two points and the offensive team having to kick the ball back to the opposing team through a free kick known as a "safety kick."

The conditions that lead to a safety include:

Tackling in the End Zone: A safety is scored when a defensive player tackles an offensive player carrying the ball inside their own end zone. The end zone is the area at each end of the field, typically extending 10 yards deep from the goal line.

Forced Ball Out of Bounds: If an offensive player is forced out of bounds in their own end zone by a defensive player, a safety is also awarded. This can happen when a ball carrier is pushed or driven out of bounds by a defender while inside the end zone.

Illegal Offensive Action: Certain penalties committed by the offensive team within their own end zone can result in a safety for the defensive team. For example, an offensive holding penalty occurring in the end zone would result in a safety.

Blocked Kick or Punt: If an offensive team attempts to punt or kick a field goal from deep within their own territory, and the kick is blocked by the defense and the ball ends up behind the goal line, the defense can recover the ball in the end zone to score a safety.

When a safety is scored, the two points are added to the defensive team's score, and the offensive team must perform a "safety kick." The safety kick is a free kick taken from the 20-yard line, and it allows the offensive team to punt the ball to the defensive team without any opposition from the defense. This kick is used to restart the game after the safety and is intended to give the defensive team an opportunity to gain field position advantage.

Overall, a safety is a relatively rare scoring event in American football that rewards strong defensive play and can have significant implications for the momentum of a game.

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