Soccer Equipment Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with basic equipment used in soccer

By Sherry Grant

Soccer is one of the top five played sports in the United States. If you are a coach, player, equipment manufacturer or owner of a retail sports business, you need to be familiar with soccer equipment's essential terms. When playing soccer, you need items such as balls, jerseys, shin guards, cleats, arches, hurdles, disc cones and a goal. Each piece of equipment is equally important and necessary for team success.

Shin guards

Shin guards are pads worn to protect the player's shins from injury. The tibia can be easily fractured in soccer if not properly protected. Shin guards are a fundamental piece of soccer equipment for every player.
Try: Soccer Training Info gives a brief explanation of shin guards and other soccer equipment. it also offers training advice, provides videos and has an online blog.

Cleats

Cleats are the special footwear required by all soccer players. There are different types of cleats available, depending on the field being played on and skill level of the game. The most common cleat is the molded cleat. The molded cleat is suitable for all fields, weather and playing levels. They are ideal for young players due to their proven safety.
Try: Dick's Sporting Goods offers a wide selection of cleats as well as a guide explaining cleat styles and how to buy the correct type.

Goal

The soccer goal is required to play a regulation game of soccer. The type of goal you choose depends on various factors. Size and shape are important when selecting the right goal. Size will be chosen based on the age of your players. Goals also come in metal or plastic and include accessories such as nets and anchors.
Try: HowStuffWorks gives you information on goals and soccer techniques and tells you how the game is played.

Passing arch

A passing arch is used in training for perfecting a soccer player's ball control and passing accuracy.
Try: SPSS explains the use of a passing arch and gives you a visual of how it is used.

Speed hurdles

Speed hurdles are a training apparatus that helps to develop extremely quick feet as well as agility and a quick reaction time.
Try: SoccerPro.com gives you a visual of a speed hurdle and how it is used in training. It also provides a brief description of the speed hurdle itself.

Evasion belt

Evasion belts are used by two players to develop, balance, speed and dexterity. The two straps connect the players, allowing them to play without getting too far away from one another. The belt will snap apart when too much distance is given between the two players.
Try: Soccer.com provides an explanation of how evasion belts are used. The website sells evasion belts along with a large selection of soccer equipment and supplies.