Equipment
Football boots (cleats)
Studded footwear that grips the pitch for football and other field sports.
Equipment
Overview
Football boots, known as cleats in some countries, have studs or blades on the sole that dig into grass or turf to give players traction when running, turning and kicking. The upper is shaped to give a clean surface for controlling and striking the ball.
Different stud patterns suit firm ground, soft ground and artificial turf, and similar studded footwear is worn across several field sports.
Good to know
- Studs provide grip on grass and turf surfaces.
- Stud type is matched to the pitch conditions.
- Similar studded boots are used in rugby and other field sports.
Where it’s used
Sports that use football boots (cleats):
Football
The world’s most popular team sport — endless running, teamwork and community in one game.
Team SportsBeginner friendly
Rugby
A physical team sport of carrying, passing and kicking an oval ball toward the opposing line.
Team SportsSome learning curve
American Football
A strategic, position-based team sport of set plays, sprinting and coordinated teamwork on a marked field.
Team SportsSome learning curve
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Playing surfaces
- Artificial turfSynthetic grass, often filled with sand or rubber, that gives a firm, even, all-weather surface. It plays faster and truer than worn natural grass.
- GrassNatural turf grown on soil — the traditional surface for many field sports and, in tennis, a fast court with a low, skiddy bounce.
- Road (Tarmac / Asphalt)Paved tarmac or asphalt: a firm, smooth, predictable surface that rewards steady pace and rhythm — the ground for road running, cycling and race-walking.
- GravelLoose crushed stone over a firm base — an unpaved middle ground between smooth road and rough trail, ridden and run for variable grip and steady pace.
- SandLoose beach sand: a soft, shifting, energy-sapping surface with no true bounce that rewards balance and footwork, used for beach sports and conditioning.
Learning paths
- Learn FootballA structured, educational learning path for football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn RugbyA structured, educational learning path for rugby — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
- Learn American FootballA structured, educational learning path for american football — from the rules to skills, techniques, tactics and training.
Beginner guides
- Your first football sessionA warm, practical picture of what actually happens when you turn up to your very first football session — how it runs, what surprises beginners, and how to enjoy it without any pressure.
- Beginner Clothing and Equipment BasicsA calm, practical guide to what to wear and bring for a first session — comfort and freedom of movement first, borrow or hire before you buy, and footwear that matches the surface.
Facilities
- Football pitchThe large rectangular grass or artificial-turf field on which football (soccer) is played, with a goal at each end.
- Swimming poolA water-filled basin, divided into lanes for competition, used for swimming and other aquatic sports.
- Multi-use games area (MUGA)A fenced outdoor hard-surface area marked for several sports, common in schools, parks and community facilities.
Rules
- Direct and indirect free kicksThe two types of free kick awarded in football to restart play after a foul or other stoppage.
- Yellow and red cardsThe disciplinary cards a football referee shows to caution or send off a player for misconduct.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- OffsideA rule that prevents an attacker from gaining an advantage by being positioned too close to the opponents' goal ahead of the ball and the last defenders.
Techniques
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- Crossover DribbleA basketball dribbling move that switches the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction and get past a defender.
- Jump ShotA basketball shot released at the top of a vertical jump, letting the shooter get the ball over a defender with a soft, arcing release.
- VolleyA shot played near the net by blocking the ball out of the air before it bounces, using a short, firm punch rather than a full swing.