Having the Right Equipment

A woman wears Vibram "Five Fingers" ... 

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Before you start any new sports or athletic activity, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. Take into consideration clothes, shoes, balls, pads, and any other item that you’ll need.

Running
Having the best shoes for your running style will help you avoid injury and improve your time. Find a retailer in your area who does gait analysis, which involves doing a video recording while you run on a treadmill. This test helps you determine the kind of support you need from your shoe. You can also check out bare feet shoes that have separate compartments for each toe, creating the sensation that you’re running barefoot.

Football
Whether it’s intramural sports or high school football, players need to have the right kind of pads. Investing in quality pads will pay off in fewer injuries. Another important piece of equipment is the helmet. Research the kinds of anti-concussion helmets on the market–it could literally save the season and your life if you take a serious hit.

Tennis
Finding a racquet you like will dramatically improve your game. Racquets come in different weights, which is based on the kind of material that’s used. If you have previous injuries in your ankles or wrists, you might consider wearing an ace bandage to provide extra support and prevent a new injury.

Soccer
Choosing the right ball will come down to a matter of personal preference. There are a variety of brands and colors from which to choose. One thing to have on your shopping list are shin guards. These are a must-have for all soccer players, even those as young as three.

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