Football is a demanding and violent sport that requires specialized equipment to protect players from injury. Football gear has come a long way since the beginning of the game when players wore little or no protective equipment. Today players wear high-tech gear made of lightweight materials that absorb impact.
Helmets
The football helmet is an essential piece of gear that protects players from violent head-to-head collisions. While concussions are still a concern for any player, advanced technology has greatly reduced the number of head injuries that occur on the field. Football helmets should fit snuggly on the head and the chin strap should always be buckled to maximize their effectiveness. Advanced players, usually quarterbacks, sometimes have their helmets fitted with micro-transmitters that allow them to communicate with coaches on the sideline.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads absorb much of the impact between players on the line of scrimmage and in the open field. They are made of strong, lightweight materials and come in a variety of styles. Shoulder pads should provide adequate coverage to the shoulders, chest and upper back without restricting movement.
Lower Body Gear
Football players also wear padding that protects their thighs, knees, hips and tailbone. Hip and tailbone pads are usually kept in place by a girdle worn under the football pants. Knee and thigh pads are secured in pockets on the underside of tight-fitting, nylon football pants. An athletic supporter and protective cup are essential in protecting the genitals from injury.
Footwear
Specialized footwear provides football players with support and traction. Players participating in games held on traditional outdoor fields wear cleats. Molded cleats are made with hard rubber soles and are a good choice when the playing surface is hard and dry. Removable cleats are a better choice when wet field conditions call for a longer spike to get traction. Football games held on artificial surfaces require indoor turf shoes.
Optional Equipment
To protect their fingers and hands, many players use padded gloves while on the field. Players who handle the ball often, such as quarterbacks, running backs and receivers, wear gloves that aid in gripping the ball, especially in wet conditions. Arm pads are also available for linemen who engage in brutal combat on the line of scrimmage. Face shields that attach to the helmet add protection for the eyes and face. Tinted face shields conceal the eyes, making it more difficult for defensive players to determine the intended direction of a running back or receiver. Defensive players, such as linebackers, who do the majority of tackling, are susceptible to neck injuries. Neck rolls reduce the chances of injury by limiting the backward movement of the head and neck upon impact.
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