The Pro Tips Football Equipment Checklist
Get ready for your season with this complete football equipment checklist, designed for both youth and high school players.
November 21, 2024
Triumph on the football field doesn’t come easy — and you know it.
From preseason weight training to summer two-a-days, it takes a certain level of preparation to succeed on the gridiron. Start your championship journey with this complete football checklist from Pro Tips. Our recommendations for your season include everything from football essentials to extra accessories that can help make a difference in your game.
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve consulted coaches, former players and in-house experts to create the perfect checklist for your football needs. As always, start with the basics and invest in additional gear as needed.
Must-Have Youth Football Gear
Whether you’re new to the sport or a varsity player, start your season right with all the gear you need.
Football Cleats
Score with superior traction for just about any field condition. You can choose from low- and high-top cleats and a variety of stud configurations for your game. Get more info on finding the right pair for your game here.
Football Gloves
Bring the style and A-game with specialized football gloves, designed to help a variety of positions on the field. Be sure to check out our football glove buying guide, featuring our favorite gloves of the year.
Football Helmets
These offer protection without sacrificing playability. Plus, the latest headgear is designed to help deliver superior shock absorption, ventilation and field of view. Customize your helmet with your facemask, visor or eye shield. Learn more about this essential piece of equipment in our helmet buying guide.
Shoulder Pads
If they aren’t already provided by your league, you’ll want to gear up for every hit with shoulder pads specialized with your position in mind. Explore our helpful guide to shoulder pads as well.
Football Pants
The right pants perfect your look on the field and help offer additional protection by holding knee and thigh pads in place.
Mouthguards & Lip Guards
Play every down with confidence and safety, protecting your lips and mouth. It’s a good idea to also have a backup guard or two.
Water Bottles
Hydration is a crucial part of success on the gridiron. Find the perfect water bottle to keep you company in between downs.
Footballs
Practice makes perfect. Find the best footballs for use on and off the field, including foam, rubber, synthetic and leather styles, depending on experience and age level. Not sure what you need? Explore our football buying guide.
Youth Football Protection Essentials
Suit up for hard knocks with protective football gear.
Backplates & Rib Protection
These protective accessories are designed to help protect your lower torso.
Shop Backplates & Rib Protection
Integrated Football Apparel (Shirts & Pants)
Elevate your game with a layer of responsive foam padding that’s sewn into the garment to help create an extra barrier of protection beneath your equipment. Plus, they’re sleek and lightweight so they won’t weigh you down on the field.
Shop Integrated Football Apparel
Football Girdles
Stay comfortable all game long with moisture-wicking compression and additional integrated padding.
Padded Arm & Elbow Sleeves/Shivers
Bring some style to the field while adding some extra protection for your arms. Find your favorite colors and brands to show your style.
Shop Padded Arm & Elbow Sleeves/Shivers
Guardian Football Helmet Cap
Keep your head in the game with the new Guardian Cap, a soft-shell head cover that easily attaches to your helmet and is used across leagues to help reduce impact by up to 33%.
Shop Guardian Football Helmet Caps
Helmet Visor
Help shield yourself from wind and debris while reducing glare from the sun with a comfortable, stylish visor.
Chin Straps
These are designed to help keep your helmet safely secured while comfortably protecting your chin during tackles and collisions.
Cups & Supporters
Leave no area unprotected! Cups and supporters are a great way to help keep you ready to make plays all game long.
Thigh & Knee Pads
Slide these into your football pants for enhanced padding.
Q Collar
This non-invasive, FDA-cleared device can be used by athletes 13 years of age and older. Worn around the neck, it’s designed to aid in the protection of the brain from effects associated with repetitive sub-concussive head impacts.
Youth Football Clothing and Accessories to Up Your Game
Suit up for the field with everything you need to play and look your best.
Compression Apparel
This technical gear helps players stay cool, protected and stylish on the field.
Football Socks
Complete the look with the perfect football socks, available in a range of colors from the hottest brands.
Bands
Add some flair to your fit with the perfect pop of color. Bands absorb the sweat while allowing players to customize their look.
Eye Black
Help reduce the glare of sunlight or stadium lights by drawing black streaks under your eyes.
Hand Warmers & Towels
Keep warm and dry on the field or sidelines to help optimize your game.
Skull Caps & Wraps
Help wick sweat and stay cool under pressure with skull caps and wraps.
Wrist Coach
Keep all your plays at your fingertips in the heat of the moment with the wrist coach. The sleek and convenient design ensures you’re ready to always make the perfect call.
Athletic Tape and Wrap
Check out quick and convenient options for adding targeted support to muscles.
Shiestys
Make your mark with elevated style while also providing additional protection for your face and neck.
Duffels
Pack into practice or the game with style. Plus, keep all your essentials in one place!
Youth Training Equipment
Stay prepped in the offseason and throughout the season schedule with gear designed to help bring out the best in everyone.
Passing Machines
Run receiving and defensive drills with perfect accuracy and consistency, all while saving your arm.
Kicking Tees & Holders
Get set for field goals and kickoffs with all the kicking gear you need.
Practice Nets
Practice nets are a great way to train both accuracy and strength for quarterbacks and kickers.
Coaching and Parent Essentials
Stay prepared with everything you need to help organize practice and be ready for the big game. Find even more essentials for coaches here.
Practice Jerseys
Perfect for drills and scrimmage games, practice jerseys are a great, lightweight option for selecting players and teams.
Blocking & Tackling Dummies
Practice the fundamentals to gain the upper edge this season. Blocking and tackling dummies are the perfect tool for success.
Shop Blocking & Tackling Dummies
Ball Carts & Bags
Easily transport and organize footballs for practices, games and storage.
Ball Pumps & Inflation Devices
Keep footballs properly inflated with quick and convenient pumps and devices.
Shop Ball Pumps & Inflation Devices
Stopwatch
Accurately time drills, exercises and game scenarios while coaching.
Whistle
Save your voice and signal the team with something everyone can hear. For practices and games, all players respect the whistle.
Clipboard
The clipboard is a coach essential. Complete the look, keep your papers together and draw new plays on the go.
Gamechanger App
Stream your games, score the action and connect with fans.
Drinkware
Keep your players hydrated with easy-to-use water bottles and containers perfect for the field.
Sideline Chairs
Score comfortable and convenient seating for practice and game day.
Canopies
When the weather changes, canopies are invaluable for the sidelines so you can keep rooting on your team.
Coolers
Keep yourself and your players hydrated, energized and refreshed.
Raingear
Don’t let wet weather slow you down. Suit up with rain gear to keep your cheer going strong.
First Aid Kit
An essential to keep on hand.
Snacks
Nothing works up an appetite like running on the field all day. Grab energizing snacks to keep them fueled and ready for more.
Sunglasses
Don’t miss the game-winning touchdown because the sun was in your eyes. We’ve got you covered.
Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Keep your mind on the game and with protection from the sun and bugs.
Print or save this list below to ensure your player is prepared for the game and ready to have a great season!
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