While the common conception of football is that it's only for tall players, the fact is that the versatility of the game provides an avenue for athletes of all shapes and sizes to shine.

The average height of a male football player varies by position. Being taller or shorter can be either advantageous or disadvantageous, depending on the role. For some positions, the athlete’s weight is more important than his height.

Football positions each have different responsibilities. Whether you are a quarterback, running back, receiver, defensive lineman or linebacker, by the time you reach high school, each position requires a certain body type and skill set.

The touchback rule only applies to American football. Touchbacks occur in the end zone and result in the offensive team beginning play from their 20 yard line. The NFL rulebook explains that a touchback occurs when the ball's momentum, created by the opponent, carries it onto or inside the goal line, where it becomes "

Football players must undergo a workout regimen that includes various types of training: weight, speed, conditioning, agility and flexibility. These workouts keep football players in top physical shape throughout the season, increasing strength, size, stamina, speed and quickness.

Even in a physical game such as college football, there are rules against being too physical. Whether on offense or defense, players are not allowed to use their hands to hook, lock, clamp, grasp, or hold in an effort to restrain the opponent.

Football plays are not designed to be easily read -- if you can read them in the stands or in front of the TV, so can the defense. Teams that provide obvious clues to their plays end up struggling for yardage, and the offensive coordinator’s job ends up on the line.

Lifting weights and football go hand in hand. During off-season, most teams lift hard to prepare for the coming season. The players and teams that get bigger and stronger have an advantage over their opponents when the new season starts.

If you watch football regularly, you may have noticed that players traditionally tape their wrists. Although a small amount of tape around a player's wrist appears to have very little function, this tradition has multiple uses and may be an important part of a player's pregame preparation.

Football coaches must select an offense that fits their teams' strengths. If a team has outstanding running backs, employ a running offense. If a team has terrific wide receivers and an accurate quarterback, go with the passing game.

Soccer and football involve aerobic exercise that can help to develop and maintain a strong and healthy body, but players in both sports run considerable risk of serious injury. The risk of injury, and the types of injury most typically sustained, vary between the two sports.

Receiving gloves give football receivers an edge when it comes to catching the ball. The gloves aren't magic, so they won't help you much if you're not already well-versed in the receiver's role.