A comprehensive guide to football essentials

Part of the reason why football is the most popular sport in the world is because it hardly requires any gear or equipment. All you need is a football. While the sport is also dubbed "the beautiful game", one can only have fun and be safe while playing football if proper essentials and equipment are used.

Essential football equipment ranges from shoes to the jerseys worn by the players. Additionally, watches and jewellery are not allowed when playing the sport as it can be risky for the players.

As for the clothes, it is advised that football-playing enthusiasts wear easy-breathing material like cotton instead of clothing material that sticks to the body when one sweats.

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Cleats, shinguards, and more-Details on football essentials

Some of the football essentials important for sports enthusiasts to play the game without inconvenience include:

1) Cleats

When buying cleats, one must wear the socks they usually wear while playing and it is important to ensure that the cleats aren't too tight. One's toes mustn't touch the front portion of the cleats, offering enough space for the feet to move.

Brands like Nike, Under Armour, and Adidas offer a wide range of football shoes and they offer grip to the ground, essential for football players to avoid slipping.

2) Shin guards

A preventive measure for players to avoid hurting themselves is to have a pair of shin guards. Shin guards protect the bones and soft tissues of the lower leg area by absorbing stress and offering protection from external force.

When choosing shin guards, it is important to read the size chart of the brand thoroughly and to check if the shin guards cover the leg area from the ankle to the knees.

3) Turf tape

Generally made of nylon and cotton, turf tape protects one's body from turf burns which occur when body parts come in touch with an external surface or bruises caused due to body-to-body contact.

Using turf tape on the knees and elbows can prevent cuts and bruises which one is prone to when playing football.

4) Football socks

Unlike normal ankle-length socks, football socks offer more grip and comfort and must be chosen to keep the ideal size and fabric in mind.

Football socks help prevent foul odour, protect the feet from pressure and impact, and prevent blisters.

There are two types of football socks: Training socks with a length halfway up to the calf and match socks which cover the shin guards and go all the way up to the knees.

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Apart from the abovementioned, football essentials comprise football shorts, and a good, breathable jersey. It is imperative that the sport be played with these football essentials and types of equipment to prevent injuries.