EXTRA POINTS Meaning and
Definition
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Extra points refer to additional points or scores awarded in various sports or games, typically following the successful completion of a particular action or achievement. These points are in addition to the standard points awarded for goals, touchdowns, or other significant plays.
In American football, extra points are typically earned after a touchdown, where the team has the option to attempt a kick through the opponent's goalposts. If successful, the team receives one additional point. This kick is snapped from the opponent's 2-yard line.
In basketball, extra points are gained by making a free throw after being fouled by an opponent during the act of shooting. Each successful free throw usually awards one additional point to the team.
Similarly, in soccer, extra points can be earned by converting a penalty kick. If the opposing team commits an infringement within the penalty area, the attacking team is given the opportunity to take a penalty kick, which, if scored, adds one extra point to their overall score.
The concept of extra points is also evident in games like cricket, where bonus runs may be awarded for exceptional shots, such as hitting the ball over the boundary without landing, or hitting a six (a shot in which the ball clears the boundary ropes on the full). These additional runs contribute to a team's total score.
Overall, extra points are a means of rewarding exceptional performances and achievements within various sports and games.
Etymology of EXTRA POINTS
The term "extra points" has its etymology rooted in the game of American football. It specifically refers to the scoring system in American football where teams can earn additional points following a touchdown. The origin of the phrase lies in the scoring rules established for the sport.
In American football, a touchdown occurs when a player carries, throws, or catches the ball in the opponent's end zone. After successfully scoring a touchdown, the team is given the opportunity to earn extra points by either kicking the ball through the goalposts or running/throwing it into the end zone again. This additional scoring opportunity is often referred to as "extra points".
The term "extra points" is a straightforward descriptor, as it reflects the notion that these points are beyond what a team would typically score through the touchdown alone.
