Spring Football Training

                                                             Spring Football Training

American Football is one of the most played sports in the country, especially by young adults.  Spring football is a serious training time for many athletes as it conditions them for their fall season. Since being taken to the ground by a well sized person is inevitable, it is easy to see why football is also one of the most dangerous sports played. However, there are simple ways to prevent simple injuries, from head to toe.

The most important precautionary measure an athlete can take is finding the best football helmet I cannot stress enough the possibility of concussion- so here’s what to do.

- Purchase a helmet that fits well.  Players need a good fit about 2 fingers width from eyebrow to forehead pad, and make sure it doesn’t move freely.

- Check out the safety rating, anything with a low rating is not going to be worth the money.

- If an athlete must use a league provided helmet, make sure it has been certified as safe.

- Do not necessarily seek out the cheapest option. The helmet protects the head which holds the brain; think about it. Don’t risk safety for a lower price tag.

 

Regardless of how long someone has played football, being tackled is a reality. So naturally you have to provide your body some form of protection, that’s where football pads come in.

-  For shoulder pads, make sure to get a good tight fit that will cover the shoulder blades and scapula in the back as well as our sternum in the front.

- For pants pads, athletes need 7 pieces; some come separately or in a girdle set. Though more expensive, a girdle set can save a lot of time getting ready.

- Check for antimicrobial treatment.  Hygiene is important, even in a game where you spend a lot of time in the dirt.

-  If using league issued pads make sure they have been reconditioned and cleaned.

-  Lighter padding can be better. It not only can help a player run faster, but can keep them cooler.

Football is all about running the ball right? So you have to make sure you have the proper cleat, sprained ankles and sore feet won’t help win the game.

-   Make sure the shoes are a good fit. Don’t feel compelled to buy a specific brand, shop around to be sure the shoe fits snugly but not tightly. Stay away from looser shoes for older kids, this can help avoid blisters.

-  Stay off of concrete. Cleats are meant to be in grass for a reason. They are unstable on concrete and can cause heel pain as well as a possible ankle injury.

-  Again, cheaper is not always the better way to go, especially when taking into account durability and fit. Find a comfortable shoe that can last a season or two.

 

So, there are some simple ways to stay safe this or any spring football season.  Almega Sports carries several brands of helmets and pads such as All-Star that is affordable and well-reviewed. We’re excited for the start of spring football and as always, Almega Sports has got you covered!

How to Install Football Pant Pads

Are you ready for some football?  More importantly, are you ready to gear up your football player?  We know that getting a young football player ready for practice can be a frustrating experience, especially if you are new to the game.  No worries.  We have created a short video to demonstrate how to properly install football pant pads. Just one more way Almega Sports has football season COVERED!

TIP:  Use a fine tip marker to mark the pant pads and the corresponding position in the pants.  For example, on the right knee pad simply mark the pad "R Knee" or use and arrow to indicate which way the pad should be installed.  This may alleviate some frustration when getting ready to hit the field.

Almega Sports has everything you need to get your players ready for the football field.  We are the only full line football store in Panama City, Florida with a wide selection of helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, and practice attire.  We also special order custom equipment such as helmet, shoulder pads, and the full line of McDavid Sports Medicine athletic braces. 

Almega Sports has you covered! 



Football Safety Part Two: What is Football Personal Protection Equipment

Part two of our football blog series will dive into personal protection equipment.  We have compiled a list of protective equipment for football players as well as the part of the body it protects, injuries it may prevent, common brands to look for, and the proper fit for the equipment.  Remember, the key to proper fit for you player is to actually take the player with you and try on the equipment.

1. Helmet
• Protection:  Head, brain, neck, and spine
• Prevention:  Concussions, neck, and spinal cord injury  
• Brands:  Xenith, Schutt, All Star, Adams, Rawlings, Riddell      
• Fit:  Football helmet fit is crucial and must fit properly to avoid serious or fatal injury.
          *see our how to video on properly fitting youth football helmets.
2. Neck Rolls
• Protection:  Neck and spine 
• Prevention:  Spinal cord injury 
• Brands:  McDavid (Cowboy Collar), Schutt, and Adams     
• Fit:  Allow one of our football specialist to assist you with fitting neck rolls on your player 
3. Mouth Guards
• Protection:  Teeth, tongue, and jaw
• Prevention:  Tooth, tongue injury and jaw concussion                
• Brands:  Sock Doctor, Adams, Tap Out, and Under Armour
• Fit:  Mouth guards will vary in price and composition.  Fit will vary.
4. Rib and Back Protection
• Protection:  Ribs and Spine
• Prevention:  Rib fractures and spinal cord injury
• Brands:  Nike Pro Combat, McDavid Hexalite, and All Star
• Fit:  Rib protection equipment should fit snugly against the ribs and stay in position.   Back protection can be independent of the shoulder pads or connected to the should pads.  Both types attempt to provide protection from direct impact to the spine. 
5. Shoulder Pads
• Protection:  Direct impact to the shoulders, chest, and upper back
• Prevention:  Fractures, separated shoulders, and spinal cord injury
• Brands:  Schutt, Adams, and All Star
• Fit:  Shoulder pads should fit snugly about the chest and shoulders while still offering the player mobility.
6. Arm and Elbow Pads
• Protection:  Hands, forearms, and elbows
• Prevention:  Contusions and fractures to the hands, forearms, and elbows
• Brands:  Nike, McDavid, and Adams
7. Pant Pads
• Protection:  Spine, pelvis, legs, and  knees
• Prevention:  The seven pads that make up the "pant pads" have similar duties. 
  

  The tail or spine pad is designed to prevent injury to the tailbone.  The hip pads protect damage to the pelvis.  The thigh pads offer protection to the muscles and bones in the upper leg or femur.  Last but certainly not least are the knee pads that protect the most frequently injured part of the body.
• Brands:  Schutt, Adams, and All Star
8. Cleats
• Protection:  Ankles and feet
• Prevention:  Protects the ankle against rolling preventing ankle sprain and fracture.
• Brands:  Nike, Rawlings, and Under Armour
• Fit:  Mid cleats are designed for athletes that have a history of ankle injury.  Low cleats offer more mobility.  The cleat should fit the player properly and not be too big or too tight.

Don't allow the multitude of accessories, brands, and variations overwhelm you on your quest to outfit your player.  Almega Sports has you covered and has trained staff members to help you properly fit your player for the field.  We have the brands, equipment, and accessories you want at prices that will keep your budget in bounds.