Football Basics Part One
By: Pam Melton
 As you would imagine, there's a whole lot more to the basics than we can fit on a video (and expect anyone to watch). Here are a few tidbits that we picked up about the stuff covered in the Football 101 episode, The Basics, Part 1.
Players
As discussed in the episode, there are supposed to be 11 players on each side with the ball is snapped. What we didn't talk about is the fact that if there are fewer than 11 players on the field, for whatever reason, when the ball is snapped, the ball's in play, there's no penalty, and the boys who are there better Bring It! If there are more than 11 players on the field, however, a 5 yard penalty is assessed. If the offending number are of the offensive persuasion, the ball moves 5 yards further away from their end zone and if it's the other guys, the ball moves closer.
Player Positions
Let's face it ladies, there's a lot of beefcake out there, what with 22 guys in those tight pants running around. One way to sort of keep straight who's supposed to be doing what is by the numbers. I might be able to remember the numbers of the guys I really, really like, but in the overall scheme of my world, I'm not really sweatin' it. If you can remember what groups of numbers play what positions, you'll have a little bit of a clue at all times:
- 1 - 19 are going to be quarterbacks, punters and placekickers (if numbers 80-89 are otherwise assigned, this could also be a wide receiver)
- 20 - 49 are the running backs and defensive backs. You'll know which is which by whether or not their team is moving the ball down the field.
- 50-59 label the centers - you know, they guys who spend half the game with another guy's hands under their butts. Why you would ever have more than 10 of these on a roster, I have no idea, but just in case, they can use a number between 60 and 79. Maybe it's because 50 through 59 are also used for linebackers, who will end up with something between 90 and 99 if the fifties are all taken.
- 60 - 79 (assuming they didn't run out of numbers for their centers) are offensive guards, tackles and defensive linemen. These guys move to 90 - 99 if there's no other choice.
- 80 - 89 are wide receivers and tight ends - typically the guys who look the best in those britches
- 90 - 99 are used for linebackers, offensive guards, tackles and defensive linemen if the lower numbers typically used for these positions are taken.
Clear as mud, huh.
I saved the field layout until last. There's really not a lot to add on the subject - it is what it is. I did wonder, however, if there were any differences between the layout of a pro field versus a college field. Here's the scoop on that.. all of the measurements are the same with one exception. The hash marks, or inbound lines, are different distances from the side lines. The space between the two sets of these lines designate the area within which the offensive team can establish the line of scrimmage. For professional football, these lines are 70' 9" (23.25 yards) from each sideline. On a college field, these lines are 60' (20 yards) from each sideline. Now, what this means is that the pros have 18'6" to get situated, versus 40' for the college boys. You may notice that it rarely looks like they set up in the exact middle of the field and having this room is why.
Useless knowledge? Probably. But you never know when you might need a football related factoid. 
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