Heading the ball is unique to soccer. Since soccer players cannot pass the ball with their hands and arms, they often play the ball off their heads, and it's kind of flashy and fun to watch! Ultimately, a good header begins with your mental frame of mind, and being willing to go for it. However, done incorrectly may not only cause you to foul the ball, it can lead to serious head or neck injury.

Soccer is a fun and fairly safe outdoor sport for all ages. As with any competitive team sport, it does carry risks and wearing soccer protective gear helps minimize those risks. When players are protected, their confidence improves. If you're new to soccer, or have a child just starting out, knowing what protective soccer gear he or she will be expected to wear can help make preparing for the upcoming season a little less daunting and a lot more enjoyable.

A practical guide to selecting volleyball gear for teams and players.

Selecting shoulder pads and key protective accessories by position and fit.