Football training equipment you need to have

• Whether you’re a rookie or an experienced player, you need the right football training equipment to have the best training sessions
• Just like any other sport, football requires thorough training to remain at the top
• Training hard and with the right equipment is one of the reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo is still a world-class player despite being 39

Whether you’re a rookie or an experienced player, you need the right football training equipment to have the best training sessions.

Just like any other sport, football requires thorough training to remain at the top. The scenarios that take place in the training are the same as those that players face on the pitch.

Training hard and with the right equipment is one of the reasons why Cristiano Ronaldo is still a world-class player despite being 39. So if you’re looking for the right equipment to get you going, here are our pick for the best football training equipment:

1. Marker Cones

Marker cones. Photo/ dfsports.pt.

Marker Cones are undoubtedly the most synonymous feature in any football training pitch, but have you ever wondered why? Well, marker cones have multiple uses on the pitch, from being used for running drills to ball drilling exercises and even as goalposts.

Interestingly, marker cones are also used for training by athletes in other sports such as football, cricket, basketball and even athletics. This is simply because you can’t go wrong when using them for training and they can help you do a lot of different exercises.

2. Slalom Poles 

Next on football training equipments you need to have is slalom poles. These poles are of great help when it comes to developing lateral movement and can be used for a variety of speed, agility skills as well as football training drills, with and without a ball. Most coaches prefer to use them as markers for running and dribbling exercises.

Slalom poles are mostly between 1.5 to 1.8 metres tall and are fitted with steel spikes so they can be planted on the pitch for training. Once you’re done with training, you can uproot and store them for the next training session.

3. Training Bibs

Every football coach’s unsung hero is undoubtedly the training bibs. I bet you have seen players wear bibs during training and even substitutes warming up before being brought on. But have you ever asked yourself why are training bibs important?

Paul Pogba wearing a training bib. Photo/ CaughtOffside.

To start with, training bibs usually play a key role during training and without them players can be seriously disadvantaged. Bibs do not only help distinguish training teams but also ensure the players get proper air circulation, which prevents them from overheating during intense sessions. They are breathable, lightweight and most importantly don’t hinder the performance of players, hence you need them for running exercises.

Note that bibs are a breeding ground for bacteria so ensure they are washed properly after every training session.

4. Free-kick Wall Mannequin 

One of the most important football training equipment you need when training alone or with a few teammates. This is because as every manager will tell you, making the most of set-pieces is very important to any team.

Free kick walls are designed to simulate the presence of opposition players on the pitch and will help you master dipping and curling techniques of taking free-kicks. Even though the walls do not jump like players will do in real life, they help the set-piece taker to be familiar with such scenarios.

Also, free-kick walls help improve dribbling, coordination and attacking play. Considering how they drop balls back at different angles and speed, they help improve the alertness and reaction of players during matchdays.

5. Speed Ladders And Hurdles

Speed ladders and hurdles is a must have if you want to have quick feet and reactions. Photo/ YouTube.

Any list of football training equipment you need to have would be incomplete without speed ladders and hurdles. Speed ladders help raise the heart rate of a player and also improve their balance, coordination, speed and athletic performance. If you love footwork drills, short sprints as well as agility exercises, speed ladders should be on your bucket list. On the other hand, hurdles are best in helping players master how to avoid tackles which might lead to injury.