| When it comes to buying soccer gear, most people | | | | field. Short-sleeved jerseys are ideal for summer |
| think of heading over to a sporting goods store. But | | | | practices, and long-sleeved jerseys serve you well on |
| what they don't know is that this isn't the only solution | | | | cooler days. How should the jersey fit? It should be |
| to getting what you need. The online soccer market | | | | loose enough to let you move freely, but not so loose |
| gives soccer enthusiasts many more choices than the | | | | that it gets caught on others players when you're |
| conventional sporting goods store. Here is some | | | | fighting for the ball. Soccer shorts are designed to |
| information on where and what to buy online to keep | | | | allow full leg motion and should fall somewhere |
| the game alive. | | | | between mid-thigh and the top of your knee. To |
| Where to start: As is the case with all sports gear, the | | | | complete your uniform, you must buy soccer socks. |
| quality of soccer equipment varies greatly. Depending | | | | They should be long enough to cover your shin guards, |
| on how serious you are about being the best, you can | | | | and thick enough to give your feet some cushioning. |
| spend either a lot or a little. There's no reason to go all | | | | When it comes to sports gear, don't overlook the |
| out if you mainly play pick-up games here and there, | | | | importance of safety equipment. Getting kicked in the |
| but if your goal is the professional leagues then it is a | | | | shins is extremely painful--that's why shin guards are |
| good idea to invest in quality soccer gear. | | | | so important to soccer players. To get the most |
| To play the game, you don't need much to begin. The | | | | protection, buy shin guards that you pull over the ankle |
| basics include a pair of soccer shoes, clothing, shin | | | | and strap around the calf. For a greater range of |
| guards, and a ball. Since soccer is a game you play | | | | flexibility, however, opt for the simple shin guards that |
| with your feet, let's begin by discussing shoes. Your | | | | are strapless and held in place by your socks. |
| shoes are the most important equipment you'll own | | | | The final basic component of any soccer game is the |
| when playing soccer. They should fit snugly, like a | | | | ball. Soccer balls have three pieces--the cover, the |
| glove, and allow for the maximum efficiency in control | | | | lining, and the bladder. Each of these elements affects |
| while playing. Shoes that are too loose fitting won't | | | | the feel and control of the ball. The cover is the |
| allow you the control you need when the ball comes | | | | exterior of the ball; this is what makes contact with |
| your way. | | | | your feet. The best balls usually feature a synthetic |
| There are two basic types of soccer shoes: one for | | | | cover; these are generally softer and more responsive |
| play on natural grass (cleats) and the other for indoor | | | | than others. The lining goes between the cover and |
| play. Even better is a combination of turf-indoor shoe. | | | | the bladder to provide structure and shape to the ball. |
| Cleats give you sure footing and allow for quick | | | | Cheap soccer balls usually have two polyester layers, |
| direction changes. Indoor shoes have flat rubber soles | | | | whereas the best will have four layers of cotton and |
| that easily grip the hard playing surface of an indoor | | | | polyester. And finally, the bladder holds the air in the |
| court. The ultra-thin sole allows you to get under the | | | | ball. Latex bladders are usually seen in high-end balls; |
| ball with your feet. Turf shoes are very similar to | | | | this means that it will require more frequent inflating |
| indoor shoes, but their soles will usually have more | | | | than the lower-end butyl bladders. |
| distinct texturing (almost like mini-cleats) for traction on | | | | The style, design, and quality of all of this equipment |
| turf. You may want a hybrid indoor/turf soccer shoe if | | | | are quite far ranging. The Internet is your best |
| you play on a variety of surfaces. | | | | resource for purchasing exactly what you need, want, |
| Clothing is also an essential part of soccer. The three | | | | and can afford. Keep these tips in mind when |
| components to any uniform include the shirt, shorts, | | | | searching for your equipment, and you'll be on your |
| and socks. Soccer jerseys are designed to keep you | | | | way to soccer bliss. |
| cool and wick away sweat while you run across the | | | | |