Okay, here is my sharing about what equipment is needed for tackle football:
So, I’ve been getting into tackle football lately. I mean, I really went for it, full-on dive into the sport. First off, I had to figure out what gear I needed. I started by watching a bunch of games and practices, just trying to see what everyone was wearing.
I noticed that the helmet was a big deal. I mean, obviously, right? Gotta protect your head. I went to a few sports stores and tried on a bunch of different ones. It’s crazy how many styles and sizes there are! Finally, I found one that felt snug but not too tight. I made sure it had all the right certifications because safety is no joke.
Next up, shoulder pads. These things are bulky, no doubt about it. I felt like a robot when I first put them on! But, after running around and doing a few drills, I realized how important they are. They really do protect you when you’re getting hit. I learned that you need to make sure they fit right, or else they won’t do their job. I spent a good amount of time adjusting the straps and making sure they were sitting correctly on my shoulders.
Then there’s the lower body gear. I got some padded pants with built-in hip, thigh, and tailbone pads. Let me tell you, falling on your butt without those would not be fun! I also got a cup, which, you know, is pretty self-explanatory. Gotta protect the goods!
Cleats were a whole other adventure. There are so many types! I ended up getting some with good ankle support because I’ve had ankle issues in the past. I spent a few days breaking them in, walking around the house, and doing some light jogging. You don’t want to get blisters on game day.
Mouthguards are super important too. I got a moldable one that you boil and bite down on. It felt weird at first, but I got used to it. It’s a small piece of equipment, but it can save you a lot of dental work.
I also picked up some gloves. They help with grip, especially when it’s cold or wet. I practiced catching and throwing with them on to make sure they didn’t mess with my game.
Here is a list of what I get:
- Helmet
- Shoulder pads
- Padded pants
- Cup
- Cleats
- Mouthguard
- Gloves
Getting all this gear together was a process. I spent a lot of time researching, trying things on, and making sure everything fit right. I learned that it is not really about having the fanciest or most expensive gear, but about having gear that fits well and is going to keep you safe. Tackle football is a rough sport, but with the right equipment, you can minimize the risk of injury and really enjoy the game. And that’s what I did! I geared up, hit the field, and had a blast playing. I hope that my experience will help you on tackle football!
