Get Game-Ready: Essential Football Gear for Players
From helmets to cleats to thigh pads, there are many options for football players to choose from to maximize their on-the-field performance.
Below is some of the football gear and clothing that all players from beginners to professionals should wear.
Football Gloves: Almost all football players who are high school aged and above wear gloves during games. It’s become a necessity, not an add-on, for tackle football players. There are 2 types of gloves: They’re the protective gloves that offensive and defensive linemen wear and stickier, form-fitting gloves that wide receivers and running backs wear. Linemen need a set of durable gloves to guard against the inevitable slapping and pounding their hands receive when blocking on offense or trying to shed blockers on defense. Receivers and running backs need gloves that are stickier to help them catch the football. These gloves offer protection too, but they are designed to help skilled players keep the “feel” in their hands for the football. On non-contact practice days, players don’t usually need gloves, though many still wear them. Football gloves generally range in size from small, all the way to extra-extra-large. The gloves should fit securely over your hands without being too tight or too loose.
Mouth Guard: Because football is a contact sport, a mouth guard has become a nonnegotiable requirement for players. This includes kids who start playing when they are as young as 9. A mouth guard can help protect your teeth from getting chipped or displaced, and it is designed to reduce the force of a blow to a player’s jaw area. Mouth guards are used in practice and during games. Mouth guards typically come with instructions from the manufacturer on how to fit them. You can also ask your dentist to help you with a correct fitting.
Cleats: Cleats are required for football games. Cleats help players get traction
on the grass or artificial grass, and they make it easier to perform quick stops and turns. Finding a set of cleats that works for you depends on your position and goal. A lineman might want a sturdier set of cleats to help with leverage and staying planted, while a running back might want something that is lighter so their speed and cutting ability aren’t compromised. It’s important to break in a new pair of cleats during practice so you know how they’ll perform before you try them in game conditions. Some players have practice and game day cleats, but you should always try the game day cleats a few times before live action.
Undergarments: Form fitting, supportive underwear that is moisture wicking is a good choice to wear under a pair of football pants. It should be light and ventilated.
Football Pants: Comfort, compression, and breathability are the attributes of a good pair of football pants. Pants are made to hold up padding on your legs and hips. Quality pants are elastic, durable, and made of lightweight fabric. They should securely support your pads without inhibiting your freedom of movement.
Helmets: In the early days of the National Football League, helmets weren’t required. Some players who did wear head protection wore leather helmets. Helmets are now required for all sanctioned tackle football. They help protect against head and neck injuries. During non-contact practice drills, players sometimes don’t use their helmets, but they’re always part of the standard equipment brought to the football field. A typical football helmet weighs between 3.5 and 4.5 pounds. It comes with a chin strap and a facemask. Current football helmets are typically made with molded polycarbonate, a strong, resistant material that offers maximum protection.
Shoulder Pads: Shoulder pads are another standard item for football players. A shoulder pad is designed to protect the upper part of a player’s body. That includes their shoulders, collar bones, and sternum. Like a helmet, a shoulder pad is designed to minimize blows from other players. Different position groups use different types of shoulder pads. There are 2 types of shoulder pads—cantilevered and non-cantilevered. Cantilevered are sturdier pads designed for linemen who block and tackle. Non-cantilevered are more flexible, allowing players more range of motion with their shoulders. Running backs, wide receivers, and quarterbacks typically use these pads because it’s easier to catch the football and they weigh less.
Thigh Pads: Thigh pads are another essential piece of equipment for players at all levels. They protect your thighs from bruising and abrasions. Some players also wear hip pads, which protect your hips from bruising. Thigh pads are lightweight, and usually made with a hardened foam that helps absorb the impact of blows.
Baselayers: Because football is a game that requires bursts of movement and speed, a pair of compression shorts is a standard item for players. The shorts should be lightweight, sweat wicking, and stretchy. They are available in full or mid length. Long and short sleeve baselayer shirts are another option for football players. On bad weather days, baselayer clothing provides insulation against the wind. They should dry quickly and be flexible.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, shop for the best football gear that helps you play your best and feel comfortable on the football field. Getting the right equipment could elevate your game to a new level.