American football is a popular sport in the United States that requires players to wear specific equipment to protect themselves from injury. The official American football wear includes a helmet, shoulder pads, chest protector, thigh pads, knee pads, hip pads, and cleats.
Helmet:
A football helmet is the most essential piece of equipment for a player, as it protects the head from injury. The helmet typically consists of a hard outer shell made of polycarbonate and a soft inner liner made of foam. The helmet is designed to absorb the impact of a hit and distribute the force throughout the helmet, rather than just one area.
Shoulder Pads:
Shoulder pads are worn to protect the shoulders and upper body. They consist of hard plastic plates that are attached to a padded vest worn over the player’s chest. The shoulder pads are designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a hit across the player’s upper body.
Chest Protector:
A chest protector is worn to protect the rib cage, chest, and back. It is typically made of a hard plastic shell with foam padding on the inside. The chest protector is designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a hit across the player’s chest and back.
Thigh Pads:
Thigh pads are worn to protect the thighs. They consist of foam padding that is covered in a hard plastic shell. The thigh pads are designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a hit across the player’s thighs.
Knee Pads:
Knee pads are worn to protect the knees. They consist of foam padding that is covered in a hard plastic shell. The knee pads are designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a hit across the player’s knees.
Hip Pads:
Hip pads are worn to protect the hips. They consist of foam padding that is covered in a hard plastic shell. The hip pads are designed to absorb and distribute the impact of a hit across the player’s hips.
Cleats:
Cleats are worn to provide traction on the field. They have spikes on the bottom that dig into the grass or turf, allowing the player to run, cut, and change direction quickly. Cleats are typically made of a hard plastic shell with a padded interior for comfort.
In addition to these mandatory pieces of equipment, players may also choose to wear additional gear for added protection or comfort. These optional pieces include:
Mouthguard:
A mouthguard is worn to protect the teeth and jaw. It is typically made of a soft, rubbery material that fits over the teeth and gums. The mouthguard is designed to absorb the impact of a hit to the mouth, reducing the risk of dental and jaw injuries.
Gloves:
Gloves are worn to provide better grip on the ball and protect the hands from injury. They are typically made of a flexible, synthetic material that allows for a better grip. Gloves may also have padding on the fingers and back of the hand for added protection.
Arm Sleeves:
Arm sleeves are worn to provide added protection for the arms. They are typically made of a compression material that fits tightly around the arm. Arm sleeves may also have padding on the elbow and forearm for added protection.
Eye Shield:
An eye shield is worn to protect the eyes from debris and glare. It is typically made of a clear, polycarbonate material that fits over the face mask of the helmet. The eye shield is designed to reduce the risk of eye injuries and improve visibility on sunny days.
In conclusion, the official American football wear includes a helmet, shoulder pads, chest protector, thigh pads, knee pads, hip pads, and cleats. These mandatory pieces of equipment are designed to protect the player from injury and distribute the impact of a hit across the body. Optional gear such as mouthguards, gloves, arm sleeves, and eye shields provide added protection and comfort for the player