A touchdown in American football is the highest scoring play and is of paramount importance in the game’s scoring system. According to the rules, a touchdown occurs when a team advances the ball into the opponent’s end zone. The ways to score a touchdown include carrying the ball across the goal line or catching a pass in the end zone. Once any part of the ball breaks the plane of the goal line while in a player’s possession, it is ruled as a touchdown and worth six points.

The significance of achieving a touchdown extends beyond the immediate six points scored. Following a touchdown, the scoring team is afforded the opportunity to execute an additional play from the opponent’s two-yard line, aiming to earn either one extra point through a placekicked ball through the goalposts or two points by taking the ball into the end zone again in what is known as a ‘two-point conversion’.

Referees play a critical role in confirming touchdowns, often reviewing plays to ensure that possession was maintained throughout the catch or that the ball carrier did not step out of bounds prior to crossing the goal line. The strategic implications of touchdowns influence the game deeply, affecting the decisions made by teams regarding their offensive and defensive tactics.