What Does ATT Mean in Football? Explained

By Sarah Miller · September 20, 2053

In football, 'ATT' is an abbreviation for 'attempts,' commonly used to quantify the number of times a player or team performs a specific action, such as passing, rushing, or kicking. The context determines its exact meaning—for example, passing attempts (PATT), rushing attempts (RATT), or field goal attempts (FGA). This metric is essential for evaluating player performance, game strategy, and statistical analysis in both American football and soccer, depending on regional usage.

Understanding 'ATT' in Football: Definition and Context

The term 'ATT' stands for 'attempts' and appears frequently in football statistics. While it's most commonly associated with American football, it also applies in soccer contexts, particularly in fantasy leagues or performance tracking. The value of 'ATT' lies in its ability to measure engagement and efficiency in key offensive actions.

Common Uses of ATT Across Football Disciplines

American Football: Refers to passing attempts (PATT), rushing attempts (RATT), or field goal attempts (FGA).
Soccer (Association Football): Often used to denote shot attempts or dribbling attempts, especially in advanced analytics.

Fantasy Football:

Play-by-Play Analysis: Coaches use attempt data to assess decision-making and workload distribution.

Types of Attempts in American Football

In NFL and collegiate football, 'ATT' is segmented into several categories based on the type of play. Each provides insight into different aspects of offensive performance.

Passing Attempts (PATT)

A passing attempt occurs when a quarterback throws the ball toward a receiver. It counts as an attempt regardless of completion. Interceptions and incomplete passes both count as one attempt.

Rushing Attempts (RATT)

This refers to the number of times a player runs with the ball from scrimmage. Quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers can all register rushing attempts.

Field Goal and Kick Attempts

Field goal attempts (FGA) and extra point attempts (XPA) are also tracked under the broader 'attempts' category, though they may not always be labeled simply as 'ATT'.

Player	Team (2024)	Position	Passing ATT	Completion %	Rushing ATT
Joe Burrow	Cincinnati Bengals	QB	671	70.3%	38
Jalen Hurts	Philadelphia Eagles	QB	562	68.9%	132
Christian McCaffrey	San Francisco 49ers	RB	27	81.5%	232
Breece Hall	New York Jets	RB	12	80.0%	278
Justin Jefferson	Minnesota Vikings	WR	5	100.0%	11

Table data source:Pro-Football-Reference, NFL.com Stats

The table above illustrates how 'ATT' varies by position. Quarterbacks lead in passing attempts, while running backs dominate rushing attempts. Jalen Hurts stands out with 132 rushing attempts, reflecting his dual-threat role. High attempt volume often correlates with offensive scheme reliance and player durability.

ATT in Soccer: Tactical and Fantasy Applications

While less standardized than in American football, 'ATT' in soccer typically refers to shot attempts or dribbling attempts. Analysts use this data to evaluate attacking intent and pressure creation.

Key Metrics Using 'Attempts' in Soccer

Shot Attempts (on/off target): Measures offensive aggression.
Dribble Attempts: Indicates individual skill usage under pressure.
Pass Attempts: Reflects possession style and midfield control.

For instance, a forward with 5.2 shot attempts per 90 minutes is considered highly involved in attack. Teams like Manchester City average over 15 shots per game, indicating sustained offensive pressure.

Why ATT Matters: Strategic and Analytical Value

'ATT' is more than just a counting stat—it's foundational for deeper metrics like yards per attempt, completion percentage, and expected points added (EPA). Coaches and analysts use attempt trends to identify fatigue, predict play-calling tendencies, and optimize playbooks.

Performance Evaluation Using Attempt Data

High rushing attempts may indicate a run-heavy offense or clock management strategy.
Low completion rate despite high passing attempts could signal poor protection or inaccurate QB play.
In fantasy football, players with consistent attempt volume are preferred for reliability.

Frequently Asked Questions About ATT in Football

What does ATT mean in football stats?

ATT stands for 'attempts' and refers to the number of times a player or team initiates a specific action, such as passing, rushing, or shooting. It is a fundamental metric used across both American football and soccer for performance tracking.

Is ATT the same as carries in football?

No, 'ATT' is a broader term. In running contexts, rushing attempts include all runs from scrimmage, while 'carries' usually refer specifically to handoffs to running backs. However, in many contexts, they are used interchangeably.

How is ATT used in fantasy football scoring?

In fantasy football, rushing and passing attempts help project player involvement. Running backs with high rushing attempts are more likely to score touchdowns, while quarterbacks with high pass attempts offer greater ceiling for completions and yardage.

Does a sack count as a passing attempt?

No, a sack does not count as a passing attempt. A passing attempt only occurs when the quarterback throws the ball. Sacks are recorded as tackles for loss and count against passing yards but not against completion statistics.

What is a good yards per attempt in football?

In the NFL, a rushing yards per attempt average of 4.0 or higher is considered strong. For passing, 7.0+ yards per attempt indicates efficient offense. Elite running backs often exceed 5.0 yards per carry.