NFL Rules for a Pass Receiving Touchdown

A touchdown pass is one of the most exciting plays in sports and can quickly change the dynamics of a football game. Receivers must work hard to get open and evade defenders after catching the ball to reach the end zone. A receiver must be tough, fast, physical and graceful.

  1. Feet In-Bounds

    • A player must have both feet in-bounds when he catches the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. A rule instituted prior to the 2008 season says both feet must be in-bounds while making a reception, even while being forced out of bounds by the defending player.

    Break the Plane

    • A touchdown is recorded when a player “breaks the plane” by moving at least part of the ball over the opponent’s goal line. A receiver who catches the ball in the field of play must advance the ball over the line for a touchdown. The player will still score a touchdown if he is tackled in the field of play, so long as the ball breaks the plane before his knees touch the ground, at which point he is considered down and the play if over. If a player catches a ball in the end zone outside of the front pylon, where the goal line meets the sideline, it is a touchdown.

    Pass Interference

    • A receiver must avoid committing pass interference when making a touchdown reception. This penalty may occur in a number of ways, including when the receiver impedes or blocks a defender from trying to intercept the pass; pushing the defender away in order to create separation to be in a better position to catch the pass; and blocking a defender prior to the pass being touched by any player. The touchdown does not count if the intended receiver and any other receiver commit this penalty. The penalty for offensive pass interference is 10 yards from the previous spot of the ball.