Football Equipment Key Terms

Understand the types of equipment used in football

By Terri Deno

There are many different pieces of equipment used in youth and adult football games. The most important equipment is the safety equipment each play must wear. Safety equipment includes all types of padding and helmets. The other types of personal football equipment help with traction and play, such as cleats and gloves for receivers. Football equipment also includes a host of items used to teach players how to block, tackle and run through specific plays.

Shoulder pads

Football shoulder pads are designed to protect the player from injuries to the chest, back and collar bone. Shoulder pads are customized for different player positions based on the player's job on the field.
Try: Dick's Sporting Goods offers a buyers guide for football shoulder, knee and other pads used in football for youth and adult leagues.

Helmet

The football helmet is a vital piece of equipment for every player. The helmet protects the head from injuries during play. Additional equipment such as collar pads, neck rolls and mouth guards can help fully protect a player's head and neck area.
Try: The National Football Foundation offers detailed information on how a football helmet should fit to maximize safety.

Athletic tape

Athletic tape is a tool used in football to help support sore or injured body parts. When athletic tape is used, it provides additional support to the knee, ankle or other body part in question.
Try: NISMAT provides instructions and pictures detailing how an athlete can protect a continuously sprained ankle by using athletic tape.

Cleats

Cleats are a specialized type of shoe football players wear on the field. Cleats assist with getting a better foothold on the grass, especially in slippery conditions.
Try: How Stuff Works describes the different types of cleats available and how cleats work on grass and AstroTurf.

Receiver gloves, football gloves

Receiver gloves are worn by football receivers to make it easier for them to catch the football during play. Receiver gloves have traction lines on the palms to keep a solid grip on the football.
Try: American Chronicle offers a guide on how to choose the right football gloves for your specific needs.

Blocking dummy, blocking sled

The blocking dummy is a piece of equipment generally used in football practice. The blocking dummy is a bag or dummy attached to a metal frame. When football players come toward the dummy and hit it, the sled moves with them. Stationery blocking dummies can also be used.
Try: Learn That outlines how to teach and practice a football driving block using a blocking dummy.