A field goal in American football refers to a method of scoring points by kicking the ball through the opponent's goalposts. The kick can occur during a play from scrimmage or after a team fails to score a touchdown. A field goal is worth three points and can be a critical decision during the game, often influencing the strategy and outcome. Teams typically attempt field goals when they are within a reasonable distance from the goalposts, given their respective kickers' skills and the game situation.