In football, it's important to be prepared. Players and coaches not only have to know their plays, but understand what type of plays their opponents might run, too. Football teams work hard before each game to get ready to play.

No matter how hard they prepare, though, there is one thing that players and coaches can't control. That would be the weather. In football, there are no rainouts or cancellations. Only in the most extreme cases do college and pro football teams cancel games due to the weather. Usually, they play in anything nature has to offer. Players have to adapt to whatever is falling from the sky.

Rain: It's common for football games to take place in the rain. A wet field and ball can make the game more exciting, but it can also make it very sloppy. If the game is taking place on a grass field, players can have a hard time running in the mud. Quarterbacks can't throw the ball as well, and receivers have a hard time catching the ball through the raindrops. Some experts say that rain is a great equalizer. That means that it is easier for a bad team to beat a good team if it's raining. Fumbles are more common, and typically sure-footed players can slip and fall. Luck plays a greater role as players aren't able to perform to the best of their abilities.

Snow: As the football season moves along and the weather gets colder, some games take place in the snow. Last weekend, the New England Patriots played against the Tennessee Titans on a snow-covered field in Massachusetts. Snow makes the field slippery, so players can't run as fast. However, some teams can play in the snow better than others. The Patriots usually play several games a year in the snow, so they have practiced throwing and kicking the ball in that kind of weather. The Patriots ended up winning the game 59-0, largely because they are very good at playing in the snow.

Cold: Even if it's not snowing, cold temperatures can have an effect on the game. In northern climates like Green Bay, Chicago and New York, late-season games can take place in frigid temperatures. Players might not have as much feeling in their hands and have trouble throwing and catching the ball. They may have a harder time warming up and getting their muscles lose, so they won't be as flexible and agile.

Football players have to be able to adapt their game at a moment's notice. They have to be prepared for anything, whether it's a blitz from the opposing defense or a sudden blitz of snow flurries.

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