Football is one of the most popular sports in the United States, but it's also one of the most expensive to participate in. So much gear is needed for the sport that many organizations are strapped for cash or forced to do without any luxuries. Even finding the budget to fund the startup of such a team can be a daunting task. Still, there are a range of gear and equipment that can benefit football players and the team at large.
Personal Equipment
The training gear that is worn is most important not only for safety reasons, but also to replicate how football is played during a game. Helmets are vital protective gear, and shoulder and leg pads should be worn during all contact drills. Mouth guards should be worn, and football cleats should be used to improve player stability and reduce the occurrence rate of sprained or rolled ankles.
On-Field Drill Equipment
On-field drill equipment is difficult for many football teams and organizations to obtain, but they have been used for decades and are widely used to improve fundamental skills. Blocking sleds, for example, are used to train defenders and lineman how to effectively put pressure under the front pads of the opposition and use upward force to help move them back and create space on the field. Tackling dummies are weighted to stand straight and are often filled with sand or other materials to serve as a tackling target for players, or to serve as obstacles during agility training. Body shields allow coaches to train players on how to attack an opponent to gain an advantage.
Strength-Training
Strength-training is a part of many sports, and any football organization attached to other groups, such as those found in a high school athletic department, likely have access to some types of strength-training equipment. Weights for lifting are the most expensive form of strength training equipment, but they are also the most effective at building strength and muscle mass. Other equipment, such as resistance tubing and strength training equipment used for rehabilitation, is much less expensive than free weights and weight machines and are valuable to football teams.
Considerations
Budget restrictions can limit many teams and organizations from having the training gear they want and sometimes need. While personal training gear is necessary for training purposes, on-field drill equipment can cost thousands of dollars per piece and quickly consume a budget. Although some organizations, such as college and professional sports teams, have the budget to build their own weight room and strength-training building, others are forced to rent equipment and locations or do with only some of the equipment they would like to have.
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