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In this part of our guide, we will cover the equipment, accessories, and supplies connected to American and Canadian football, known in the respective countries simply as football.

Although soccer is known as football in most of the world, we are covering that sport in a category called Soccer so as not to confuse the two games.

American and Canadian football were born in the United States and Canada, but they were conceived from soccer and rugby, and the sports share many commonalities.

American and Canadian football might be thought of as siblings, but they are not identical twins. Both are gridiron games, but Canadian football fields are larger, and Canadian teams have 12 players on the field, while American teams have 11. Canadian teams have three downs to advance the ball 10 yards, while American teams have four downs for the same distance. There are differences in gameplay, as well, but we'll cover that more fully in our Sports & Recreation category, as this is the shopping category.

American and Canadian football use similar types of equipment and accessories.

However, football, soccer, and rugby use different equipment, and the focus of this category is on the equipment, accessories, and other products used in American football.

The footballs used in American and Canadian football are made of leather or synthetic materials, and are designed to be aerodynamic and easy to grip. They are available in various sizes for different age groups. Adidas, Nike, and Wilson are major manufacturers of footballs.

Helmets are worn to protect against concussions and other head injuries. They consist of a hard outer shell made of polycarbonate, an inner padding system to absorb impacts, a face mask, a chin strap, and sometimes a visor.

Shoulder pads protect the shoulders, chest, and back. Made of impact-resistant plastic with foam padding inside, these pads are designed to disperse the force of collisions and tackles.

In addition to shoulder pads, players wear additional padding to protect other parts of their bodies. These include rib protectors, thigh pads, knee pads, and hip pads. Usually made of high-density foam, these are inserted into pockets in the player's uniform. Douglas, Riddell, and Schutt are well-known producers of football helmets and pads.

Football jerseys and pants are made of durable, moisture-wicking materials to keep players dry during the game. Jerseys often include padding pockets for added protection, while pants have slots for thigh, knee, and hip pads.

Cleats are used for traction on grass and turf fields. Produced by Adidas, Nike, Under Armour, and others, they come in various styles, including low-cut, mid-cut, and high-top.

Football gloves enhance grip and provide protection for the hands and fingers, and are particularly needed by receivers, who are tasked with catching the ball securely, and linemen, who need extra padding for blocking.

Mouthguards protect the player's teeth, reduce the risk of other mouth injuries, and help to absorb shock. Made by Battle, SISU, and Shock Doctor, mouthguards come in various styles, including boil-and-bite and custom-fitted options.

Players might also use accessories to enhance their performance and comfort, such as compression sleeves, arm pads, and eye black. These items help to reduce muscle fatigue, protect against impacts, and reduce glare from the sun or stadium lights.

While the manufacturers mentioned above are well-known producers of football equipment, apparel, and accessories, several others are also involved. These and retailers specializing in supplying football products are appropriate topics for this category, along with product reviews or comparisons.

 

 

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