Whether it is a junior high or professional game, football involves hard hits, collisions and contact that can lead to serious injuries. Because of the direct contact and sometimes punishing high-speed collisions, having quality protective equipment is paramount for a player of any skill level. Selecting the best football equipment pads means that quality has to be an important factor in the decision rather than relying on only the best value.
Safety First
Safety is the first of two basic cornerstones of the football pad selection process. Safety in football pad equipment selection can be broken up into three basic components: protecting the head, midsection/torso protection and leg/lower body protection.
Head protection involves a helmet, facemask and mouth guard. Examples of midsection/torso protection include shoulder pads, rib pads and neck rolls. Leg and lower body extensions involve athletic cups, along with tailbone, thigh and hip pads.
Attention to Training
Besides the pads and protection placed on the athlete's body, some pads provide training equipment to help the individual train in practice and competition. These types of pads and equipment support the various exercises, drills and strategy that are required for training for a single football game. From a training perspective, two categories deserve consideration: gear for physical strength and gear for physical skill.
Strength-based equipment helps players get the most out of their muscles and develop endurance. Skill-based equipment pads hone specific skills and techniques, such as a blocking sled, which simulates offensive and defensive line movement in practice drills.
Understand the Role of Equipment Pads
Professional, college and high school football programs have contracts and agreements that often provide them access to the most modern types of football equipment padding for its players. However, if you are getting your child ready for their first season on a football team, it can be a challenge to ensure they are outfitted with the best and safest equipment possible.
Safety and quality of manufacturing will be major considerations in your selection process. While you might receive a list from your school or youth program, understanding the role of each pad is an important initial step.
Research the Experts
Football America is a football equipment supplier and distributor that's highly rated by coaches, equipment managers, players and athletic departments. Each year, the organization commissions a panel of equipment managers, coaches, players and administrators from across the country to provide analysis and feedback on trends and developments in the equipment pad area.
While Football American does not endorse one specific company or line of products, it provides a clearinghouse for equipment purchasers and provides an objective forum for player, coach and equipment manager reviews. Several featured brands and companies are on the site and in its publications, thus providing a critical resource for all stakeholders in finding the best football equipment pads.
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