8 Additional Football Training Must-haves

Football is a popular sport that requires strength and skills. So, as a beginner, you need to prepare for the essentials to make sure you can maximise your capabilities. And while having the basic gear, including classic football shirts, shorts, cleats, shin guards, gloves, ball, and socks, is essential, you shouldn’t forget about the additional must-have for your football training.

In this article, we’ll give you a list of other things you should include in your soccer training bag.

1. Hydration Kit

Staying hydrated while playing football, or any other sport, is essential. Of course, you may already have a water bottle in your football bag, but other things can help you stay hydrated. Some of these include sports drinks, hydration tablets, and electrolyte supplements.

Aside from water, there are other components you need like salts, so make sure you have a drink that has electrolytes on it to give you more energy. Speaking of sports drinks with electrolytes, make sure to choose those that have the ingredients that suit your needs. Unfortunately, some sports drinks are more like sodas instead of sports drinks.

2. First Aid Kit

Injuries happen during sports games and training all the time, which is why it’s necessary to keep a first-aid kit in your bag. Although training facilities usually have first aid kits, having your own can address your problems immediately. Besides, you can tailor your kit depending on your specific needs.

For instance, if you often encounter muscle aches while training, you should secure athletic tape that can serve as additional support whenever you move. Other must-haves in your first aid kits include bandages, alcohol, instant cold packs, wraps, ointment, and pain relievers.

3. Foam Roller or Massage Ball

Football uses the strength of your entire body, which is why you should prioritise recovery after training. When it comes to football training, you need to aid muscle damage so you can perform at your best for the next sessions.

A massage ball or foam roller are some of the things that can help you with muscle recovery. They can improve recovery and relieve muscle tension right after the training. Sure you can get a whole-body massage afterwards, but the sooner you address the pain, the faster you can feel better.

4. Sunscreen and Bug Spray

Since football training sessions are usually done outdoors, you should pack sunscreen and bug spray for additional protection. As you know, the ozone layer’s not getting any thicker, so the ultraviolet rays our skin receives can be more intense than decades ago.

Unfortunately, without sunscreen, the risk of getting skin cancer is higher. And you should use any random sunscreen. Make sure it has a broad spectrum or has a label of PA++++.

On the other hand, bug sprays are also necessary to keep in your football training bag in case it’s too early or the training will last in the evening.

5. Something to Use for Note-taking

You may not use a notebook and a pen while playing, but you need it to track your progress, note your coach’s feedback, and your team’s strategies. However, if you prefer a digital way to take notes, you can just use your phone.

Meanwhile, keep in mind that you should keep your thoughts organised and easily understood so that you can still get them and follow them afterwards.

6. Snacks

Keep in mind that eating is another way to maximise your body’s full potential, so don’t forget to pack some snacks. Besides, if you don’t eat, it’ll be hard to move during the training, and it may take a while before you can recover.

On the other hand, having the right nutrients and enough food in the body allows you to think and move the way you want to. For instance, if you want to run fast to steal the soccer ball, having enough energy allows you to do so.

7. Towel and Extra Clothes

When you play football or any other sport, it’s common to be drenched with sweat. Make sure to pack a towel and extra clothes, so you won’t have to go home with sweaty clothes. In addition, you should carry a plastic or waterproof bag where you can put all your dirty clothes so that the rest of your training items won’t get dirty and smelly.

Meanwhile, since your cleats are also dirty, and it may not be comfortable to wear shoes, you should also pack a pair of slippers that you can wear after the training.

8. Portable Charger

If you use your phone for music, note-taking, and other tasks, carrying a portable charger or power bank can ensure that your device is useful during the entire training.

Final Thoughts

Having all these additional football training items can improve your overall performance. From the hydration kit to the portable charge, each item can help you achieve your full potential as a football player.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Retro Football Kits, an international shop that offers a huge selection of retro football shirts and match-worn classic football shirts from the 70s to the 00s. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that will help readers in making the right choice.