Goal (sport)
Encyclopedia
Goal refers to a method of scoring in many sports. It can also refer to the physical structure or area of the playing surface where scoring occurs.
In several sports, a goal is the sole method of scoring, and thus the final score is expressed in the total number of goals scored by each team. In other sports, a goal may be one of several scoring methods, and thus may be worth a different set number of points than the others. A few of these sports use the term field goal to distinguish one scoring method from another.
The structure of a goal can vary widely from sport to sport. In sports where goals are the sole method of scoring, the goal is often a rectangular structure that is placed at each end of the playing surface. Each structure usually consists of two vertical posts, called the goal posts, supporting a horizontal crossbar. A line called the goal line is also marked on the playing surface where each goal is located, parallel to the crossbars. Thus, the objective is to send the ball or puck between the goal posts, under the crossbar, and across the goal line. There is often a net to catch the ball or puck as it is sent into the goal. Other sports have very different structures, but have a variation on the theme of goal lines, goal posts, crossbars, and nets.
In other sports, a goal is the primary, but not the sole method of scoring. In these sports, the goal is worth a set number of points, and there is another method of scoring which scores fewer points (often one point). In these sports, the score is expressed as the number of goals plus the number of alternate scores and the combined total of points with the winner being decided on total points. For example, in Australian Rules Football
the score may be expressed as follows:
Sydney
10-4-64 Brisbane
9-12-66
In this example Sydney scored 10 goals (at six points each) and 4 behinds (one point each) for a total of 64 points. Brisbane scored 9 goals and 12 behinds for a total of 66 points. Despite having fewer goals, Brisbane won the game.
Other sports use a field goal
as one of several methods of scoring. The field goal can be a primary or secondary score and is used when there are several possible scoring methods. In these sports, the object of the game is to score a greater number of total points than the opponent. Scores are expressed solely as numbers of points.
, the object is to pass the ball between the posts below the crossbar, while in others, such as those based on Rugby
, the ball must pass over the crossbar instead. In Gaelic football
and Hurling
, in which the goalposts are similar to those used in rugby, the ball can be kicked either under the crossbar for a goal, or over the crossbar between the posts for a point. The vertical supports are usually called goal posts and the horizontal top is usually called the crossbar
. A goal in these games normally requires that the ball or puck be sent between the posts, under the crossbar and completely behind the goal line.
In Australian Rules Football
, there is no crossbar but 4 uprights instead. In netball
, a single post at each end of the court supports a horizontal hoop that the ball must fall through. In basketball
, the hoop and net used for scoring can be supported on a post or mechanism at each end, or in smaller buildings attached directly to the wall.
In American football
, especially at the collegiate level
, fans flooding onto the field and tearing down the goalposts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_23aV4Ri0 after an upset victory
by the home team is a widely practiced, although dangerous http://www.kansan.com/stories/2006/sep/07/goalposts/ means of celebrating. In recent times stadium staff often lower the posts themselves to prevent spectators from taking down the posts if they see that fans are coming on to the field at the end of a game.
The goal structure is defined as a frame 24 feet (7.32 m) wide by 8 feet (2.44 m) tall. In most organized levels of play a net is attached behind the goal frame to catch the ball and indicate that a goal has been scored; however, the Laws of the Game do not mandate the use of a net and only require that any net used not interfere with the goalkeeper.
In ice hockey
, scoring a goal is similar to scoring a goal in football. In ice hockey, the puck must be put completely over the goal line between the posts and under the bar either off the offensive player's stick or off any part of the defensive player's body. If the puck is inadvertently deflected by an offensive player's skate or body, the goal counts, but not if the puck is kicked, batted, or thrown into the goal. The goal structure in ice hockey is a frame 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide with a net attached. It is attached to the ice surface by flexible pegs and will break away for safety when hit by a player. The goal is placed within the playing surface, and players may play the puck behind the goal.
, a goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line under the crossbar and between the goal posts, after being shot from with a semicircle 14.63 metres (48 ft) from the goal. The goal structure in field hockey is 3.66 metres (12 ft) wide by 2.14 metres (7 ft) tall. Nets are required to hold the ball in.
is scored when the ball is thrown completely over the goal line, below the crossbar and between the goal posts. The goal structure in team handball is 2 metres high and 3 metres wide. A net is required to catch the ball.
goals are scored when the ball passes completely through the goal mouth, under the crossbar and between the goal posts. Goals can be disallowed if there is an infraction by the offensive team. The goal structure in Lacrosse is 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide and a net is used to prevent the ball from reentering the field of play. Lacrosse goals are not positioned on the boundary line, and behind the goal play is allowed.
is scored when the ball passes completely across the goal line, under the crossbar and between the goal posts. A goal may be scored through contact with any part of the attacker's body except a clenched fist. The goal structure in water polo is dependent upon the depth of the water. The goal mouth measures 3 metres across and is either 0.9 metres above the surface of the water or 2.4 metres above the floor of the pool, whichever is higher. Nets are required.
a goal is scored if the ball passes completely between the goal posts, regardless of how far off the ground the ball is. The ball must be between the goal posts or the imaginary lines extending above the inside edges of the posts. A ball passing directly over a goal post does not score a goal.
The goal structure in Polo consists of two poles, at least 10 feet (3 m) high and exactly 8 yards apart. There is no crossbar and no net is required. The height at which a goal may be scored is infinite.
a goal is scored when the ball is kicked by an offensive player completely between the goal posts. The ball may not contact or pass over the goal post, touch a player on the defensive team, or be touched by any part of the body of an attacker other than the foot or lower leg. The ball may be punted
, drop kick
ed, or kicked off the ground if the ball is loose (called "soccer style" by some commentators). There is no height restriction on an Australian Football Goal and a goal can be scored from ground level up to an infinite height. A goal scores 6 points. The alternate method of scoring is a behind, which scores one point. A goal disallowed by the above provisions still scores a behind. The goal structure consists of two poles at least 6 metres in height and spaced 6.4 metres apart. There is no crossbar and no net is required.
a goal is scored when the ball passes completely beyond the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. The ball can be played with the hands, but a goal cannot be scored off a player's hand. In hurling
the ball must also pass completely beyond the goal line. The ball may be played by any legal method except by the hand of the attacker. A ball in flight may be deflected into the goal off the hand of an attacker. Hurling and Gaelic football use the same goal structure. It is a 7.5 meter wide frame with a net attached. The goal posts are at least 7 meters high, and the crossbar is 3.5 meters above the ground. A goal is scored when the ball crosses below the crossbar and a point is scored when the ball passes above it.
is to score by throwing the ball into the goal, officially termed the "basket". A basket is scored when the ball passes completely through the basket ring from above; however, the number of points scored with each basket can vary by distance, and a team need not necessarily score the most baskets to win the game. A basket scored during normal play is called a field goal
and is worth two points if shot from within or on the three-point line, and three points
if shot from beyond the three-point line. The three point line's distance from the goal varies by level. Points are automatically awarded to the shooting team if, while the ball is in its flight towards or is over the basket, the defending team illegally touches the ball or basket; this is known as goaltending
or basket interference
.
The alternate method of scoring in basketball is the free throw
, which scores one point. A free throw scores the same way as a field goal, except that it is taken unopposed from the free-throw line after a foul
. Basketball scores are expressed in total points.
The basket consists of a metal ring 18 inches (45.7 cm) in internal diameter, suspended horizontally 10 feet (3 m) above the floor such that the center of the ring is equidistant from each sideline and 5 in 3 in (1.6 m) from the end line. The basket ring has a net attached below to briefly check the ball's downward progress and indicate a score. The ring is fastened to a rectangular backboard 6 feet (1.8 m) wide by 3.5 feet (1.1 m) tall, though in lower levels of play or recreational use the backboard may be smaller and/or fan-shaped. The entire structure is supported from behind and anchored to the floor beyond the end line at higher levels of play; the structure may be anchored to a wall or ceiling at lower levels of play. The ring, net, and the front, top, bottom, and sides of the backboard are all considered inbounds, while the back of the backboard and the support structure – even those parts suspended over inbounds areas of the court – are considered out of bounds.
The following sports have a goal, sometimes called a field goal
, as a secondary method of scoring. The field goal is worth a set number of points that vary with the sport. These sports express their scores solely in points.
or Canadian football
is a secondary method of scoring; it is scored when the ball is place kick
ed or drop kick
ed completely over the crossbar and between or directly over the goal posts. A field goal scores 3 points in both versions of the sport. In the American game, the now rarely used fair catch kick
, if successfully made, also scores 3 points. A goal kicked during a try following a touchdown
is worth one point. These are the only methods of putting the ball through the goal that award points to the kicking team; no points are scored if the ball is punted
or thrown through the goal, or if the ball goes through the goal on a kickoff
.
In both sports, the goal structure consists of a crossbar suspended 10 feet (3 m) off the ground and goal posts (colloquially known as "uprights") placed 18 in 6 in (5.64 m) apart and extending at least 30 feet (9.1 m) above the crossbar. In lower levels of play the goal posts may be placed further apart and/or not extend as far above the crossbar; for example, in high school football the posts are 23 in 4 in (7.11 m) apart. NFL and CFL rules mandate that a ribbon be attached to the top of each goal post. In American football the goal is centered on each end line; in Canadian football the goal is centered on each goal line. A retractable net may be placed behind the goal, well beyond the field of play, to prevent the ball from entering spectator areas.
the field goal is nearly identical to that in American and Canadian football. A field goal in arena football scores three points, unless it is drop kick
ed, in which case it scores four points. The goal structure in arena football consists of a crossbar 15 feet (4.6 m) above the playing surface and 9.5 feet (2.9 m) wide. The goal posts are attached to nets on either side of the crossbar which are taut to allow the ball to rebound back onto the field of play. The nets are 30 feet (9.1 m) wide and 37 feet (11.3 m) high. These nets do not represent a scoring area, but keep the ball in play and prevent it from entering the crowd.
code by place kicking or drop kicking a ball over a crossbar and between goal posts. In rugby union, a goal scored from the field either as a drop kick during normal play or a place kick after a foul scores three points. In rugby league
, a goal scored from the field as a drop kick scores one point, and a goal from a place kick after a foul scores two points. In both codes, a goal scored by place kick after a try scores two points. The goal structure consists of a crossbar 5.6 meters wide suspended 3 meters above the field. The goal posts must be at least 3.4 meters high, measured from the ground.
", which means to make a set of goals more difficult just as they are being met, is often used in business but is derived from American football. It is commonly used to imply bad faith
on the part of those setting goals for others to meet, by arbitrarily making additional demands just as the initial ones are about to be met.
In business
, the concept is more abstract, with some performance measure or target being set as a goalpost while achieving the target is often known as achieving a goal.
In several sports, a goal is the sole method of scoring, and thus the final score is expressed in the total number of goals scored by each team. In other sports, a goal may be one of several scoring methods, and thus may be worth a different set number of points than the others. A few of these sports use the term field goal to distinguish one scoring method from another.
The structure of a goal can vary widely from sport to sport. In sports where goals are the sole method of scoring, the goal is often a rectangular structure that is placed at each end of the playing surface. Each structure usually consists of two vertical posts, called the goal posts, supporting a horizontal crossbar. A line called the goal line is also marked on the playing surface where each goal is located, parallel to the crossbars. Thus, the objective is to send the ball or puck between the goal posts, under the crossbar, and across the goal line. There is often a net to catch the ball or puck as it is sent into the goal. Other sports have very different structures, but have a variation on the theme of goal lines, goal posts, crossbars, and nets.
Methods of scoring
In some sports, the goal is the sole method of scoring. In these sports the final score is expressed as the number of goals scored by each team, with the winner being the team that accumulated more over the specified time period.In other sports, a goal is the primary, but not the sole method of scoring. In these sports, the goal is worth a set number of points, and there is another method of scoring which scores fewer points (often one point). In these sports, the score is expressed as the number of goals plus the number of alternate scores and the combined total of points with the winner being decided on total points. For example, in Australian Rules Football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
the score may be expressed as follows:
Sydney
Sydney Swans
The Sydney Swans Football Club is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Sydney, New South Wales. The club, founded in 1874, was known as the South Melbourne Football Club until it relocated to Sydney in 1982 to become the Sydney...
10-4-64 Brisbane
Brisbane Lions
The Brisbane Lions is an Australian rules football club which plays in the Australian Football League . The club is based in Brisbane, Queensland. The club was formed from the merger of the Brisbane Bears and the Fitzroy Lions in 1996...
9-12-66
In this example Sydney scored 10 goals (at six points each) and 4 behinds (one point each) for a total of 64 points. Brisbane scored 9 goals and 12 behinds for a total of 66 points. Despite having fewer goals, Brisbane won the game.
Other sports use a field goal
Field goal
A field goal is a general term used in some sports wherein a goal may be scored either during general play or via some sort of free shot...
as one of several methods of scoring. The field goal can be a primary or secondary score and is used when there are several possible scoring methods. In these sports, the object of the game is to score a greater number of total points than the opponent. Scores are expressed solely as numbers of points.
Structure
In many games, at each end of the field of play, there are two vertical posts (or uprights) supporting a horizontal crossbar. In some games, such as association football or hockeyHockey
Hockey is a family of sports in which two teams play against each other by trying to maneuver a ball or a puck into the opponent's goal using a hockey stick.-Etymology:...
, the object is to pass the ball between the posts below the crossbar, while in others, such as those based on Rugby
Rugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
, the ball must pass over the crossbar instead. In Gaelic football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
and Hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
, in which the goalposts are similar to those used in rugby, the ball can be kicked either under the crossbar for a goal, or over the crossbar between the posts for a point. The vertical supports are usually called goal posts and the horizontal top is usually called the crossbar
Crossbar
- Structural engineering :* A primitive latch consisting of a post barring a door* The top tube of a bicycle frame* The horizontal member of many sports goals including those for hockey, association football, rugby league, rugby union and American football...
. A goal in these games normally requires that the ball or puck be sent between the posts, under the crossbar and completely behind the goal line.
In Australian Rules Football
Australian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
, there is no crossbar but 4 uprights instead. In netball
Netball
Netball is a ball sport played between two teams of seven players. Its development, derived from early versions of basketball, began in England in the 1890s. By 1960 international playing rules had been standardised for the game, and the International Federation of Netball and Women's Basketball ...
, a single post at each end of the court supports a horizontal hoop that the ball must fall through. In basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
, the hoop and net used for scoring can be supported on a post or mechanism at each end, or in smaller buildings attached directly to the wall.
In American football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
, especially at the collegiate level
College football
College football refers to American football played by teams of student athletes fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies, or Canadian football played by teams of student athletes fielded by Canadian universities...
, fans flooding onto the field and tearing down the goalposts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV_23aV4Ri0 after an upset victory
Upset
An upset occurs in a competition, frequently in electoral politics or sports, when the party popularly expected to win , is defeated by an underdog whom the majority expects to lose, defying the conventional wisdom...
by the home team is a widely practiced, although dangerous http://www.kansan.com/stories/2006/sep/07/goalposts/ means of celebrating. In recent times stadium staff often lower the posts themselves to prevent spectators from taking down the posts if they see that fans are coming on to the field at the end of a game.
Goal-only sports
The goal is the only method of scoring in several games. In each of these cases the winner is the team that scores the most goals within the specified time.Association football
In association football, the goal is the only method of scoring. It is also used to refer to the scoring structure. To score a goal, the ball must pass completely over the goal line between the goal posts and under the crossbar and no rules may be violated on the play (such as touching the ball with the hand or arm). See also offside.The goal structure is defined as a frame 24 feet (7.32 m) wide by 8 feet (2.44 m) tall. In most organized levels of play a net is attached behind the goal frame to catch the ball and indicate that a goal has been scored; however, the Laws of the Game do not mandate the use of a net and only require that any net used not interfere with the goalkeeper.
Ice hockey
In ice hockey
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
, scoring a goal is similar to scoring a goal in football. In ice hockey, the puck must be put completely over the goal line between the posts and under the bar either off the offensive player's stick or off any part of the defensive player's body. If the puck is inadvertently deflected by an offensive player's skate or body, the goal counts, but not if the puck is kicked, batted, or thrown into the goal. The goal structure in ice hockey is a frame 4 feet (1.2 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide with a net attached. It is attached to the ice surface by flexible pegs and will break away for safety when hit by a player. The goal is placed within the playing surface, and players may play the puck behind the goal.
Field hockey
In field hockeyField hockey
Field Hockey, or Hockey, is a team sport in which a team of players attempts to score goals by hitting, pushing or flicking a ball into an opposing team's goal using sticks...
, a goal is scored when the ball passes completely over the goal line under the crossbar and between the goal posts, after being shot from with a semicircle 14.63 metres (48 ft) from the goal. The goal structure in field hockey is 3.66 metres (12 ft) wide by 2.14 metres (7 ft) tall. Nets are required to hold the ball in.
Team handball
A goal in team handballTeam handball
Handball is a team sport in which two teams of seven players each pass a ball to throw it into the goal of the other team...
is scored when the ball is thrown completely over the goal line, below the crossbar and between the goal posts. The goal structure in team handball is 2 metres high and 3 metres wide. A net is required to catch the ball.
Lacrosse
LacrosseLacrosse
Lacrosse is a team sport of Native American origin played using a small rubber ball and a long-handled stick called a crosse or lacrosse stick, mainly played in the United States and Canada. It is a contact sport which requires padding. The head of the lacrosse stick is strung with loose mesh...
goals are scored when the ball passes completely through the goal mouth, under the crossbar and between the goal posts. Goals can be disallowed if there is an infraction by the offensive team. The goal structure in Lacrosse is 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and 6 feet (1.8 m) wide and a net is used to prevent the ball from reentering the field of play. Lacrosse goals are not positioned on the boundary line, and behind the goal play is allowed.
Water polo
A goal in water poloWater polo
Water polo is a team water sport. The playing team consists of six field players and one goalkeeper. The winner of the game is the team that scores more goals. Game play involves swimming, treading water , players passing the ball while being defended by opponents, and scoring by throwing into a...
is scored when the ball passes completely across the goal line, under the crossbar and between the goal posts. A goal may be scored through contact with any part of the attacker's body except a clenched fist. The goal structure in water polo is dependent upon the depth of the water. The goal mouth measures 3 metres across and is either 0.9 metres above the surface of the water or 2.4 metres above the floor of the pool, whichever is higher. Nets are required.
Polo
In poloPolo
Polo is a team sport played on horseback in which the objective is to score goals against an opposing team. Sometimes called, "The Sport of Kings", it was highly popularized by the British. Players score by driving a small white plastic or wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using a...
a goal is scored if the ball passes completely between the goal posts, regardless of how far off the ground the ball is. The ball must be between the goal posts or the imaginary lines extending above the inside edges of the posts. A ball passing directly over a goal post does not score a goal.
The goal structure in Polo consists of two poles, at least 10 feet (3 m) high and exactly 8 yards apart. There is no crossbar and no net is required. The height at which a goal may be scored is infinite.
Games with secondary scoring other than goals
The following games have more than one possible method of scoring where the goal is the primary method, i.e. the method that scores the most points. In most cases the score is shown as the number of goals, plus the number of secondary scores (usually 1 point), plus the total number of points. The side with the higher number of total points is the winner.Australian rules football
In Australian rules footballAustralian rules football
Australian rules football, officially known as Australian football, also called football, Aussie rules or footy is a sport played between two teams of 22 players on either...
a goal is scored when the ball is kicked by an offensive player completely between the goal posts. The ball may not contact or pass over the goal post, touch a player on the defensive team, or be touched by any part of the body of an attacker other than the foot or lower leg. The ball may be punted
Punt (football)
In some codes of football, a punt is a play in which a player drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground. A punt is in contrast to a drop kick, in which the ball touches the ground before being kicked....
, drop kick
Drop kick
A drop kick is a type of kick in various codes of football. It involves a player dropping the ball and then kicking it when it bounces off the ground. It contrasts to a punt, wherein the player kicks the ball without letting it hit the ground first....
ed, or kicked off the ground if the ball is loose (called "soccer style" by some commentators). There is no height restriction on an Australian Football Goal and a goal can be scored from ground level up to an infinite height. A goal scores 6 points. The alternate method of scoring is a behind, which scores one point. A goal disallowed by the above provisions still scores a behind. The goal structure consists of two poles at least 6 metres in height and spaced 6.4 metres apart. There is no crossbar and no net is required.
Gaelic football and hurling
In Gaelic footballGaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
a goal is scored when the ball passes completely beyond the goal line, between the goal posts and under the cross bar. The ball can be played with the hands, but a goal cannot be scored off a player's hand. In hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
the ball must also pass completely beyond the goal line. The ball may be played by any legal method except by the hand of the attacker. A ball in flight may be deflected into the goal off the hand of an attacker. Hurling and Gaelic football use the same goal structure. It is a 7.5 meter wide frame with a net attached. The goal posts are at least 7 meters high, and the crossbar is 3.5 meters above the ground. A goal is scored when the ball crosses below the crossbar and a point is scored when the ball passes above it.
Basketball
The primary object of basketballBasketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
is to score by throwing the ball into the goal, officially termed the "basket". A basket is scored when the ball passes completely through the basket ring from above; however, the number of points scored with each basket can vary by distance, and a team need not necessarily score the most baskets to win the game. A basket scored during normal play is called a field goal
Field goal (basketball)
In basketball, the term field goal refers to a basket scored on any shot or tap other than a free throw, worth two or three points depending on the distance of the attempt from the basket. "Field Goal" is the official terminology used by the National Basketball Association in their rule book,...
and is worth two points if shot from within or on the three-point line, and three points
Three-point field goal
A three-point field goal is a field goal in a basketball game, made from beyond the three-point line, a designated arc radiating from the basket...
if shot from beyond the three-point line. The three point line's distance from the goal varies by level. Points are automatically awarded to the shooting team if, while the ball is in its flight towards or is over the basket, the defending team illegally touches the ball or basket; this is known as goaltending
Goaltending
In basketball, goaltending is the violation of interfering with the ball when it is on its way to the basket and it is in its downward flight, entirely above the rim and has the possibility of entering the basket, and not touching the rim...
or basket interference
Basket interference
In basketball, basket interference is the violation of touching the ball or any part of the basket while the ball is on the rim of the basket or within the cylinder extending upwards from the rim, reaching up through the basket from below and touching the ball, be it inside or outside the...
.
The alternate method of scoring in basketball is the free throw
Free throw
In basketball, free throws or foul shots are unopposed attempts to score points from a restricted area on the court , and are generally awarded after a foul on the shooter by the opposing team...
, which scores one point. A free throw scores the same way as a field goal, except that it is taken unopposed from the free-throw line after a foul
Foul (basketball)
In basketball, a foul is an infraction of the rules concerning illegal personal contact with an opponent and/or unsportsmanlike behavior. A personal foul is the most common type of foul in basketball. Due to the nature of the game, personal fouls occur on occasion and are not always regarded as...
. Basketball scores are expressed in total points.
The basket consists of a metal ring 18 inches (45.7 cm) in internal diameter, suspended horizontally 10 feet (3 m) above the floor such that the center of the ring is equidistant from each sideline and 5 in 3 in (1.6 m) from the end line. The basket ring has a net attached below to briefly check the ball's downward progress and indicate a score. The ring is fastened to a rectangular backboard 6 feet (1.8 m) wide by 3.5 feet (1.1 m) tall, though in lower levels of play or recreational use the backboard may be smaller and/or fan-shaped. The entire structure is supported from behind and anchored to the floor beyond the end line at higher levels of play; the structure may be anchored to a wall or ceiling at lower levels of play. The ring, net, and the front, top, bottom, and sides of the backboard are all considered inbounds, while the back of the backboard and the support structure – even those parts suspended over inbounds areas of the court – are considered out of bounds.
Sports with goals as secondary scoring
Field goal
A field goal is a general term used in some sports wherein a goal may be scored either during general play or via some sort of free shot...
, as a secondary method of scoring. The field goal is worth a set number of points that vary with the sport. These sports express their scores solely in points.
American and Canadian football
A field goal in AmericanAmerican football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
or Canadian football
Canadian football
Canadian football is a form of gridiron football played exclusively in Canada in which two teams of 12 players each compete for territorial control of a field of play long and wide attempting to advance a pointed prolate spheroid ball into the opposing team's scoring area...
is a secondary method of scoring; it is scored when the ball is place kick
Place kick
The place kick is a kicking style commonly used in rugby league and rugby union. It is also seen in Association football, American football and Canadian football.-American and Canadian football:...
ed or drop kick
Drop kick
A drop kick is a type of kick in various codes of football. It involves a player dropping the ball and then kicking it when it bounces off the ground. It contrasts to a punt, wherein the player kicks the ball without letting it hit the ground first....
ed completely over the crossbar and between or directly over the goal posts. A field goal scores 3 points in both versions of the sport. In the American game, the now rarely used fair catch kick
Fair catch kick
The fair catch kick is a rarely used rule in some forms of American football that allows a team, after making a fair catch of an opponent's kick, to attempt a field goal freely from the spot of the catch. It is one of the three types of free kicks; the other two are the kickoff and the safety kick...
, if successfully made, also scores 3 points. A goal kicked during a try following a touchdown
Touchdown
A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.-Description:...
is worth one point. These are the only methods of putting the ball through the goal that award points to the kicking team; no points are scored if the ball is punted
Punt (football)
In some codes of football, a punt is a play in which a player drops the ball and kicks it before it touches the ground. A punt is in contrast to a drop kick, in which the ball touches the ground before being kicked....
or thrown through the goal, or if the ball goes through the goal on a kickoff
Kickoff (American football)
A kickoff is a method of starting a drive in American football and Canadian football. Typically, a kickoff consists of one team – the "kicking team" – kicking the ball to the opposing team – the "receiving team"...
.
In both sports, the goal structure consists of a crossbar suspended 10 feet (3 m) off the ground and goal posts (colloquially known as "uprights") placed 18 in 6 in (5.64 m) apart and extending at least 30 feet (9.1 m) above the crossbar. In lower levels of play the goal posts may be placed further apart and/or not extend as far above the crossbar; for example, in high school football the posts are 23 in 4 in (7.11 m) apart. NFL and CFL rules mandate that a ribbon be attached to the top of each goal post. In American football the goal is centered on each end line; in Canadian football the goal is centered on each goal line. A retractable net may be placed behind the goal, well beyond the field of play, to prevent the ball from entering spectator areas.
Arena football
In arena footballArena football
Arena football is a variety of gridiron football played by the Arena Football League . It is a proprietary game, the rights to which are owned by Gridiron Enterprises, and is played indoors on a smaller field than American or Canadian outdoor football, resulting in a faster and higher-scoring game....
the field goal is nearly identical to that in American and Canadian football. A field goal in arena football scores three points, unless it is drop kick
Drop kick
A drop kick is a type of kick in various codes of football. It involves a player dropping the ball and then kicking it when it bounces off the ground. It contrasts to a punt, wherein the player kicks the ball without letting it hit the ground first....
ed, in which case it scores four points. The goal structure in arena football consists of a crossbar 15 feet (4.6 m) above the playing surface and 9.5 feet (2.9 m) wide. The goal posts are attached to nets on either side of the crossbar which are taut to allow the ball to rebound back onto the field of play. The nets are 30 feet (9.1 m) wide and 37 feet (11.3 m) high. These nets do not represent a scoring area, but keep the ball in play and prevent it from entering the crowd.
Rugby league and rugby union
A goal is scored in either rugbyRugby football
Rugby football is a style of football named after Rugby School in the United Kingdom. It is seen most prominently in two current sports, rugby league and rugby union.-History:...
code by place kicking or drop kicking a ball over a crossbar and between goal posts. In rugby union, a goal scored from the field either as a drop kick during normal play or a place kick after a foul scores three points. In rugby league
Rugby league
Rugby league football, usually called rugby league, is a full contact sport played by two teams of thirteen players on a rectangular grass field. One of the two codes of rugby football, it originated in England in 1895 by a split from Rugby Football Union over paying players...
, a goal scored from the field as a drop kick scores one point, and a goal from a place kick after a foul scores two points. In both codes, a goal scored by place kick after a try scores two points. The goal structure consists of a crossbar 5.6 meters wide suspended 3 meters above the field. The goal posts must be at least 3.4 meters high, measured from the ground.
Metaphor
The expression "moving the goalpostMoving the goalpost
Moving the goalposts is a metaphor meaning changing the target of a process or competition by one side in order to gain advantage.-Etymology:...
", which means to make a set of goals more difficult just as they are being met, is often used in business but is derived from American football. It is commonly used to imply bad faith
Bad faith
Bad faith is double mindedness or double heartedness in duplicity, fraud, or deception. It may involve intentional deceit of others, or self deception....
on the part of those setting goals for others to meet, by arbitrarily making additional demands just as the initial ones are about to be met.
In business
Business
A business is an organization engaged in the trade of goods, services, or both to consumers. Businesses are predominant in capitalist economies, where most of them are privately owned and administered to earn profit to increase the wealth of their owners. Businesses may also be not-for-profit...
, the concept is more abstract, with some performance measure or target being set as a goalpost while achieving the target is often known as achieving a goal.