Soccer protective equipment- improve protection and comfort

Soccer is by far the most popular sport in the world. Whether you are watching at home or in a stadium or in the field of play, there is always that thrill and adrenalin that comes in the tense moment of the game.

Since soccer is a physical sport, players are prone to injuries. Some injuries players recover but also there are unfortunate incidences where injuries really cut short a carrier of a soccer player.

To avoid these serious injuries, the players need soccer protective equipment so that they are protected during the heat of the game. Let’s dive in and list the best equipment that a soccer player needs for protection and comfort.

Soccer cleats

In almost all association football matches, it`s mandatory to wear soccer cleats. Cleats are also known as soccer boots. Most soccer pitches are made of grass but sometimes they are also made from artificial turf. Cleats are worn so that the player do not slip in the pitch and they also give traction.

The type of Soccer cleats for soccer matches is known as Firm Ground (FG) cleats. Firm ground cleats have moulded studs and are suitable for most playing surfaces. The player needs cleats that are of the right size and are comfortable inside. There are many touches that the players do with their feet including stopping the ball, passing the ball with sides and tops therefore the players need to feel the ball with their feet.

It is also important for the player to ask the teams technical department the type of cleats that the team authorize for use.

Soccer socks

Soccer players need specially made pairs of socks. Socks has got many functions that they help the player with. Different manufacturers use different fabric to make socks but mostly the fabric used vary from nylon, polyester, spandex, cotton and other synthetic fibers.

Socks help by holding shin pads in place so that the players` shin is protected during high impact of tackling. The socks also make the cleats comfortable. They also help with blister control and ankle support. Most of the fabrics mentioned above can handle a lot of stretching, pulling, can absorb sweat and allow air to pass through.

Shin pads

Shin pads also known as shin guards are play a pivotal role to the player on the field. Soccer is characterized by a lot of impact and tacking. Some tackles are so dangerous such that id the shin is not protected, the player can have a serious injury that can last of weeks or even months.

There are basically two types of shin pads namely slip in pads and ankle support pads.

The player must get shin pads depending on the position of play. Goalkeepers can make use of light shin with minimal protection. These can be made of plastic.

Defenders need heavier shin pads with angle protection. Recommended shin pads in this category must be made of polyurethane. These are heavy and study and they offer the most protection.

Midfielders need light to medium ship protection that allows them to move freely in the middle of the park. Forwards or strikers need light shin with angle support. Shin pads can choose from fiber glass and form rubber.

Goalkeeper gloves

Goalkeepers are the only players that are allowed to defend the goal post by blocking, punching and catching the ball by both hands. The goal area is in most case where the match is the hottest so the goalkeeper need to have hand protected by latex gloves.

The best gloves for goalkeeper must have been a perfect fit but leaving a small space for figure folding. They must also be fit at the wrist so that they don’t slide or slip when secured.

The backhand must be made of a single or double layers of foam rubber to protect the hand when punching the ball. The palm must be soft textured to give good grip of the ball. They must also allow a slight movement so that the ball is secure.

Under Armour

These are any piece of clothing that is worn under the team uniform to protect the player when playing soccer in winter and or in hot summer. These include leggings and gloves. There are several products on the market to choose from. Just make sure that under Armour is in line with the teams uniform.

Knee and elbow pads

These are less popular in most association matches. Most of these are seen worn by goalkeepers in Futsal soccer matches.

Protective cup

Protective cup is a sport personal protective equipment worn in certain sports to protect male reproductive organs from pain and or injury when there is contact to the groin area.

There are generally made from plastic but there are other softer material now available on the market.

Most soccer players typically do not wear protective cups for only one major reason being that they are uncomfortable. Players in soccer match run a lot so having and cup is highly disturbing.

But surely a hit from a high speed ball on the groin area can cause excruciating pain, severe bruising, testicular fracture or rapture and internal bleeding. Urologist recommends the use of protective cups.

Mouth guards

Mouth guards are not usually a major must have in soccer. But they protect player`s gums, teeth, teeth roots, jaws and lips. There is definitely need for mouth guard`s shock absorption especially during the heat of the match where there are flying elbows, goalkeeper punch, falling to the ground and occasionally ball smash to the face.

Protective headgear

Protective headgear was officially allowed by FIFA in 2003 by FIFA Rule number 4 on equipment. It protects the head from injury that are caused by head collusions. There is a lot of research and arguments on head injuries on soccer head injuries but hey, players have the right to protect themselves.

Conclusion

We all have our reasons for playing soccer. For some it`s for keeping up good shape, some for fun and for some professional reasons. But whatever your reasons be, make sure you are safe and comfortable. There is definitely no reason to be exposed to injury. Enjoy the rest of the season and yeah let the fun continue.

Here’s a little transparency: Our website contains affiliate links. This means if you click and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. Don’t worry, there’s no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way you can support our mission to bring you quality content.”