Everything You Need to Start the Right Way
Starting American Football is exciting — but choosing the right gear can quickly become confusing.
Shoulder pads, helmet, gloves, cleats…
Not all equipment is made for the same position, level, or body shape.
At SPORTUS COMPANY, we don’t just sell gear.
We act as American Football Personal Shoppers, helping beginners choose equipment that is safe, comfortable, and adapted to their real needs.
This guide will help you understand what you really need to start, and what you should avoid buying too early.
⸻
Prefer Video ? Watch our beginner guide below :
1. What Gear Do You Need to Start Playing American Football ?
As a beginner, you don’t need everything you see in pro games.
Here is the essential gear to start safely :
✔️ HELMET
Your most important piece of equipment.
A good helmet must :
• fit your head properly
• offer certified protection
⚠️ A wrong helmet = discomfort + higher injury risk.
⸻
✔️ SHOULDER PADS
Shoulder pads protect your :
• shoulders
• chest
• ribs
• back
Beginners should prioritize :
• comfort
• protection
• mobility
Not ultra-light pro pads.
⸻
✔️ GLOVES (Position-dependent)
In modern American Football, gloves are essential for almost every position.
They are not only about catching the ball.
Gloves improve:
• grip and control
• confidence in contact situations
• hand protection
From skill players (WR, DB, QB) to all purpose players and lineman, gloves help players perform with more security and comfort.
The key is not whether you need gloves, but which type of gloves fits your position, level, and playing style.
⸻
✔️ CLEATS
Choose cleats based on :
• your field position
• comfort
• ankle support
• field type (grass, turf)
You don’t need the most expensive model — fit matters more.
⸻
✔️ PROTECTIVE PANTS / GIRDLE
In American Football, protective pants or a girdle with 7 pads are essential, and in most leagues mandatory.
They protect key impact areas:
• hips
• thighs
• tailbone
• knees
For beginners, this equipment is not optional.
Even at entry level, contact happens quickly, and proper lower-body protection helps prevent injuries and builds confidence.
When choosing protective pants, focus on :
• correct fit (not too loose, not too tight)
• sufficient padding coverage
• comfort and freedom of movement
Just like helmets and shoulder pads, protective pants should match your level and position — not pro-level, but reliable and safe.
⸻
2. Gear You DON’T Need as a Beginner (Yet)
Many beginners make the mistake of buying too much, too early.
You can wait before buying :
• arm sleeves
• visors (except for players with eye issues)
• extra padding
• advanced accessories
👉 Focus first on safety, fit, and learning the game.
⸻
3. Why Position Matters (Even for Beginners)
In American Football, one size never fits all.
Examples :
• A lineman needs more protection.
• A receiver needs more mobility.
• A quarterback needs freedom of movement.
Buying gear without considering your position is one of the biggest beginner mistakes.
That’s why personalized advice matters.
⸻
4. Beginner Gear : Comfort > Style > Performance
When you start playing :
• comfort helps you focus
• good fit prevents injuries
• confidence improves faster
Many beginners choose gear because it “looks good”.
Pros choose gear because it works for them.
We recommend beginners do the same.
⸻
5. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Choosing the wrong size
❌ Copying NFL players
❌ Ignoring position and level
❌ Buying without advice
These mistakes cost money — and sometimes injuries.
⸻
6. How We Help Beginners at SPORTUS COMPANY
At Sportus Company, we guide beginners by asking simple questions :
• What position do you play ?
• What is your level ?
• How often do you train ?
• What is your body type ?
Then we recommend gear that is :
• adapted to YOU
• safe
• comfortable
• worth your budget
That’s what being a Personal Shopper really means.
⸻
Start the Right Way
American Football is a physical sport.
Starting with the right gear makes all the difference.
You don’t need the most expensive equipment.
You need the right equipment for your level and position.
👇
Ask before you buy.
We offer free personalized gear advice in DM.
Not sure what gear you need to start ?
👉 Contact us on Instagram for free personalized advice.
SPORTUS COMPANY — American Football Personal Shopper
Based in France • Shipping Europe & Worldwide