Football Equipment

The nature of football puts great strain on a player’s knees. Whether in training or in the heat of match action, the pressure of constant shifts in weight, twists and turns can take a heavy toll on the knees. A lot of players ignore twinges and nagging pains for fear of missing matches - but this can often lead to...

The FA, Sport England and the British government are trying to boost participation in grassroots football around the country, and one of initiatives they are pursuing is a 4G pitch building programme. Although expensive initially, the very latest artificial pitches are helping cash-strapped leagues and associations to fulfil their fixtures during periods of inclement weather. While much is said about...

Whether you’re playing in a Sunday league pub match or at FA County level, there are certain items of equipment - over and above basics such as goal posts and footballs - you simply can’t do without. In order to maximise your team’s chances of success this season, it is important to ensure that the following types of match day...

The rigours of a full football season can take a heavy toll on the body of a regular player. The nature of the game makes certain injuries inescapable at times, but it is possible to minimise the risk of suffering certain types of injury. Up to 80 percent of significant footballing injuries affect the legs, so priority should be given...

Some physios say that warming down after a football match is actually more important than warming up beforehand. The idea of a warm-down session is to allow the body to gradually revert to normal after being in full exercise mode. If done correctly, warming down exercises can minimise muscle stiffness and tiredness the next day - reducing the chances of...

The summer break provides footballers with a great opportunity to relax weary muscles, recharge the batteries and mentally recover from the rigours of a hard season. However, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that you will need to be prepared for the new season if you want to be at the peak of your powers when...

As the end of another season approaches, the thoughts of footballers up and down the country turn to leisure, holidays and relaxation. But in order to hit the ground running at the start of next season, it’s always a good idea to stay in shape during the summer break. By making the following routines part of your weekly plans throughout...

Futsal is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and it is increasingly being used as a developmental tool for young footballers. Played with a smaller, heavier ball, the game promotes tight control, touch and passing, which is why it is being utilised in professional football academies all over the world. The essence of this hugely popular game...

In order to deliver effective safe and enjoyable training sessions in your role as a football coach, you will need to ensure that you have the right equipment available. High quality, durable and safe equipment is absolutely essential for player development, but knowing what’s available and what your players require can be tricky. These items of equipment should be in...

Footballers need to develop muscle power and endurance for relatively short and intermittent periods of activity. Whereas long-distance runners and cyclists need to maintain a steady pace, footballers must be able to burst into action from standing starts – dozens of times during the average match. Circuit training is a great way to develop the power and muscle conditioning required...