American football accessories

Receiver gloves or line gloves

In American football, gloves are not just for keeping warm. Receiver gloves, worn by wide receivers, running backs, and defensive backs, have a sticky silicone palm that grips the leather of the oval ball, even in wet conditions: since sticky substances were banned in the NFL in 1981, it's the material of the glove that provides the grip. Line gloves, meant for players who clash at every snap, are thicker, with padded reinforcements on the back of the hand and fingers to absorb impacts against helmets and shoulder pads. They should fit well: a glove that's too big wrinkles and loses the feel of the ball.

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Mouthguards, chinstraps, and visors: protecting the head

A mouthguard is required in matches by most regulations: it protects the teeth and lips from impacts against the helmet's grille. The thermomoldable model softens in hot water before being bitten to take the imprint of the teeth, and many attach to the grille with a strap so they don’t get lost. The chinstrap, a rigid shell strap that goes under the chin, keeps the helmet in place: it is secured in four points and should be replaced as soon as a clip breaks. The visor, a polycarbonate shield fixed behind the grille, protects the eyes from opponents' fingers; tinted, it reduces glare from the lights if competition rules allow it.

Tee, play wristband, and match accessories

The tee keeps the ball upright for kickoffs: the kicker strikes the bottom tip of the oval ball to send it far and high. On field goal and conversion attempts, the ball is held on the ground by a teammate, the holder, or placed on a small tee depending on the levels of play. The play wristband, worn on the forearm by the quarterback, contains the list of plays called by the coach under a clear window, which speeds up announcements in the huddle. The towel attached to the belt keeps hands dry before the snap, and arm sleeves protect the skin from friction against the synthetic turf.

Good deals

Good bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday in late autumn, the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by summer sales and the back-to-school season.

Frequently asked questions

What accessories do you need to start playing American football?

Many clubs lend helmets and shoulder pads to beginners; the player brings their mouthguard, cleats, and a pair of gloves suitable for their position. A bag large enough to hold the helmet completes the equipment.

How do you maintain receiver gloves?

The palm is cleaned with lukewarm water, without harsh soap, to remove dirt that makes them lose grip, and then left to air dry, out of sunlight. A slightly dampened palm before the match regains some of its stickiness.

How do you mold a mouthguard?

You dip it for a few seconds in water close to boiling, let it cool for a moment, then place it in your mouth while biting and sucking to shape it to your teeth. A quick dip in cold water sets the imprint.

What’s the difference between American football and flag football?

Flag football is played without tackling: you stop the ball carrier by pulling one of the flags attached to their belt. Without helmets or shoulder pads, it serves as an entry point for children and beginners, and it will be included in the Los Angeles Games in 2028.

How do you choose the size of your American football gloves?

You measure the circumference of your dominant hand at the knuckles, excluding the thumb, then check the brand's guide. The glove should fit snugly on the fingers without compressing them, with the tips of each finger touching the end.