Can Football Kit prevent injuries?

Football is a game which is constantly trying to progress in terms of training techniques, fitness and equipment. Anything that can give a player an edge over his opponents is seized upon.

Some of the latest equipment to come under the spotlight is compression clothing. Compression equipment has become popular with many of the top names in football including Christiano Ronaldo. At one time, if players swapped shirts at the end of a game, you were likely to find that they wore nothing under their football shirts. Now you are just as likely to see players wearing tight fitting compression shirts, even in Summer. Compression clothing, which can be applied to shirts, shorts and socks is a lightweight, breathable material. Generally made from Spandex, or other types of tight fitting material, it is usually stretchy. The material is able to wick moisture away from the skin, which in turn keeps the player drier and cooler. Due to the tight fitting nature of the shirt; the muscles are also kept warmer which cuts down the chances of injuries to muscles and joints. As the shirt also prevents muscle vibration, it also has the effect of reducing fatigue - allowing players to play at their best for longer. The shirt also acts like a second skin and prevents chafing from the main shirt. Compression shits are also available to keep players warm in Winter.

Shin pads are a vital piece of equipment in a competitive sport like football. Shin pads have improved greatly in terms of their ability to avoid transferring the shock of an impact. Tibia fractures have reduced by half in the last fifteen years, and much of this has been due to new technology. Modern pads are made from technologically advanced materials such as Kevlar (also used to make bullet proof vests) and titanium. New designs are made individually for the right and left legs. Now new designs are entering the market which are designed to protect shin, ankle and the Achilles tendon. Modern footballers can be extremely expensive, and so protecting them is important for success.