The high-contact sport of football requires several pieces of protective equipment to guard players from serious injury. Though equipment can come in high-tech varieties, such as helmets equipped with microchips to detect concussions or shoulder pads outfitted with cooling units, the basic equipment generally is sufficient for beginning and casual football players. The most important aspect is that the equipment fits and is worn properly.
Helmets
Football players have used hard-shelled, plastic helmets for protection since the 1940s. Football helmets should feature padding to cushion the head, jaws and nose from hard blows sustained during a game. Helmets also feature a chin strap that both keeps the helmet secure during play and protects the chin with a plastic chin cup. Helmets should fit players tightly, touching the middle of the forehead with face pads resting firmly against the face. Helmets also include a face mask that can protect the nose, teeth, mouth and eyes. Though helmets can prevent severe head injuries during play, they are not strong enough to guarantee protection from concussions.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads shield a player's shoulders, back and chest from injuries. Youth football players often use simple, all-purpose shoulder pads, but more advanced players have a variety of pad types from which to choose. You can divide pads into two basic types: flat and cantilevered. Flat pads offer more mobility, making them useful for players such as the quarterbacks and receivers who move the most in the game. Cantilevered pads are bulkier, used by players who do the lion's share of the tackling and blocking. The pads should fully cover the shoulders while allowing the players to have the full range of motion of their arms without the pads sliding on the shoulders.
Other Protective Equipment
Football players often wear other forms of protective equipment, some dependent on their position. Most players wear mouth guards, plastic dental appliances that protect the teeth and gums during hard collisions. Players also usually wear a girdle under their pants fitted with pads to protect their hips and tailbones. Younger players in particular often use athletic cups to protect their genitalia, which often come as part of the protective girdle. Quarterbacks, running backs and other players subject to frequent tackles often wear vests to protect their ribs. Defensive players also usually wear gloves to protect their hands. Other protective pads, such as knee pads or elbow pads, usually are worn only to protect players with pre-existing injuries.
Cleats
Football players wear cleats, shoes with spiked soles designed for better traction on the field. Cleats designed for football give support in the middle of the sole, so players can make quick movements while preventing their ankles from turning. Youth players usually wear basic midcut cleats, but they also come in low-cut and high-top varieties. Low-cut cleats are lightweight for players who need to run the most, while high-top cleats provide extra ankle support for players who need to hold their ground while blocking or tackling. More expensive cleats feature detachable studs so players can adjust to field conditions and types, but youth teams often stick to cheaper, molded cleats with permanent soles.
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