Extra-point kicks are now taken 33 yards from the goal posts, according to new NFL regulations implemented this season (which is 15 yards away from the goal line). Prior to this change, they were taken 20 yards. The extra point has remained at the same distance as its predecessor, the placekicker's point after. The point after is an attempt by the kicking team to increase their score after a touchdown. It is executed by advancing the ball into the end zone in order to kick off from the 1 yard line or closer. The point after was introduced in the American Football League in 1968 and has been used by every franchise ever since. Its success can be seen by the fact that it is still used by most professional football teams today. There are two types of points after: one when you have a chance to win the game, such as with 4 seconds left on the clock; the other when you are behind by multiple scores, for example 3 points down. In both cases, the kicker needs to be close enough to the ball so that he doesn't have to travel too far if he misses the attempt. He also needs to be able to reach the end zone without being touched by any opposing players. The point after is designed to give your offense another opportunity at scoring.