by Craig Blake
Getting ready for football season with the right gear can make the difference between a long productive season or sitting on the bench. Whether you play in a league or need football equipment for your teen or other children's youth football leagues, make sure to pick up all the necessary gear for complete protection. Before you rush out and grab any football gear you can get your hands on, consider the top five most important pieces of gear to acquire.
Football helmet: Without a football helmet, you won't be able to compete. A good helmet is made to withstand a good deal of impact, and it protects a player from concussions and other damage to his head. Pick out a football helmet that will fit tightly to your head without being uncomfortable. You don't want it to fly off during the game, but you also don't want to feel like you've squeezed your head in a vice. A snug helmet can give you the confidence that your head is completely safe. The attached facemask will also protect the face and nose. Make sure you leave the football field as handsome as you arrived.
Mouth guard: Using a mouth guard is a required practice for nearly any competitive or youth football league. A mouth guard will protect your jaw and teeth from impact. A mouth guard will also keep you from biting your tongue after a hit.
Football cleats: Make sure football cleats are a part of your football gear repertoire. To make quick side-steps or to prevent slipping in the middle of a play, you're going to need football cleats. For anyone who wants to be a competitive force on the field, cleats are an absolutely necessary piece of football equipment.
Shoulder pads: Although the name denotes the shoulders as the main point of protection, shoulder pads protect a large portion of the upper body. Shoulder pads will protect the shoulders, chest, neck and back from injury. They come in two varieties: flat and cantilevered pads. Cantilevered pads are heavier and offer more protection while flat pads offer enhanced mobility but less protection. Be sure to pick out shoulder pads that best complement your football position.
Leg pads: Football games can be rough, so it is important to protect the legs as well as the upper body. Leg pads offer padding to the thighs, ankles and other parts of the leg to soften impact. Hard football hits can become just scratches thanks to football pads.
