What are the basic soccer players’ equipment?

Every soccer player has to have certain equipment in a soccer game. These equipment are specified under the FIFA Laws of the Game, Law 4. The referee has to ensure that all players are dressed in proper gear during the game. The basic soccer gear and equipment provides the players with tools for safe and competent play.

Footwear

There are particular shoes made solely for soccer players, namely turfs and cleats. Turfs are worn by young kids until a later time where they can wear cleats. These special shoes have spikes under the sole to provide better traction on the playing field. The laws do not specify the type of footwear used but cleats practically improve the stability of a player while making sudden turns, starts and stops.

Essentially the cleats are fit with different kinds of studs. You just need to make sure that you have the right ones for the playing surface, either short plastic or longer metal studs. Soccer cleats do not have studs at the front end of the shoe and are designed in a way that allows the players to feel the ball with their feet.

Jersey or Soccer Shirt

A soccer player should have a soccer shirt with short or long sleeves. The two competing teams must have distinct jerseys in color. When a player wears any undergarments, the color of its sleeves should match that of the sleeve of the player’s jersey.

Each goalkeeper has a jersey with a different color from the teammates to distinguish them. Ideal jerseys are specially made of light synthetic fabrics, to keep players dry, hence are quite expensive.

Shin Guards

In soccer, players continuously run up and down the field. In the intensity of the game, a player may get knocked or bruised at the shin and ankles. The shin is very vulnerable making the guards extremely vital during a soccer game. According to the laws, they should provide a reasonable degree of protection.

The shin guards provide protection from right above the cleat to below the knee. In regard to the laws, they are made of plastic, rubber or similar material. The proper way to wear them is over a pair of socks and completely covered by the soccer socks from above. You will find forwards wearing smaller shin guards unlike the midfielders, defenders and goalkeeper who usually go for larger models that cover most parts.

Shorts

Players can wear any type of shorts, from fitting to baggy ones. Though, it is not advisable to put on very baggy ones like those worn by basketball players. If a player wears undershorts or tights, the color must match that of the shorts.

Gloves

This piece of equipment is meant for the goalkeeper. He or she has to wear gloves throughout the soccer game. They are designed so as to enable maximum mobility to the fingers. Each goalkeeper gets to choose from a variety of designs as they are found in different material, fit, grip and model.

The palms of gloves are tucky to offer better grip. There are slightly rounded and flat designs. Though it is not a must for goalkeepers to wear gloves in soccer, they hardly opt to go into the game without them. They offer them protection as it is only the goalkeepers who handle the ball using his hands while the game is still in play, of course within the penalty area. The other players as well are free to wear light gloves.

Stockings

The soccer socks are usually long enough to cover the shin-guards. They reach the knee and protect your feet from likely friction with the cleat. They are made out of thick synthetic fabric or heavy cotton. There are stocking ties to hold the soccer socks from sliding down. They are fit below the knees and you can easily cover these ties by folding the sock.

Other Equipment

Times are changing and you will find players putting on other kinds of gear. The only limitation set by FIFA is that no player is allowed to wear additional equipment that may pose danger to him and other players. The protective equipment includes protective headgear, cups, mouth guards, and knee and elbow pads.

All the soccer players’ equipment is relatively light in order to enable them put up a great performance during the entire duration of the game. These designs greatly focus on free movement and comfort as a necessity. Generally, soccer equipment is the same for both women and men. The only difference probably comes in the sizing, and maybe in pricing.