Although not hugely popular in the UK, American football is still played up and down the country especially within universities where multiple teams often exist and inter-campus competitions are common.

Everything from American football helmets to the shoulder pads come in various styles and sizes to ensure maximum protection while allowing you to move easily. Jerseys and gloves are quite specific to the sport and sometimes need to be custom but everything you need to play American football is explained here.

Most popular: helmets, shirts, shoulder pads

Another of the primarily American sports, baseball is growing in popularity within schools as an alternative to cricket which often takes much longer to play. The most important piece of baseball equipment is quite obviously the baseball bat and knowing the pros and cons of metal versus wooden bats can aid you in making the right decision.

Setting up the playing area with proper bases is essential if the fielding team are going to be able to play to their best and arrange themselves properly. Automatic pitching machines are also beneficial for long practice sessions and for those looking to improve their swing.

Most popular: caps, bats, gloves

Since it is taught in most schools these days, basketball has quite a following and not only is equipment to be found on campus but it is also fairly common in gardens and driveways too.

Getting a good setup in the minimum space is essential and while for some a full basketball system is required, others can get away with just a backboard which can be fixed to the side of a house or outbuilding.

Most popular: hoops, systems, clothing

Millions of people cycle either to/from work or as a hobby which makes bike equipment big business. There are a plethora of bike styles to suit your specific needs while a variety of clothing and accessories complete the setup.

Getting quality suspensions and brakes and a comfortable seat will make your trip that much more pleasurable.

The nation’s favourite sport is played up and down the country by men and women of all ages along with an extremely active children’s game. Having all the necessary kit is the number one thing do before you play, especially the protection provided by shin pads and a decent pair of football boots that are comfortable to run in and kick the ball.

With golf it is just you against the course and for many the course always ends up winning but with the right equipment most players should be able to improve one or many types of shot from the drive to the putts.

Each golfer will prefer the feel of one club over another and so the number of different drivers, irons, chippers and putters available is amazing while accessories to help your grip or improve your swing are widely used.

A pub game that is seen in more homes around the country than ever before, pool requires just a table, cue and balls at the most basic level. To enhance your playing experience chalk is a must while cases or racks for your cues add to the enjoyment.

The different table options will be explained in more detail to ensure that you get the standard you expect without overpaying.

To play a good game of rugby you must have the correct clothing and this is main focus of this section. Shirts, shorts, boots and even gloves will be explored while the variances in balls are covered in more detail too.

People run to both keep fit and in some circumstances for competition purposes and there are lots of different pieces of equipment that you might need to run faster and for longer. Footwear is a big issue considering the work your feet are going to do and different shoes or spikes are suitable for different conditions.

If you are jogging casually you might want to get some of the many running accessories such as headphones, a watch or water bottle.

If you are thinking of hitting the slopes this skiing season then be sure to kit yourself up with all the necessary equipment before you travel. Some people prefer to hire some of the vitals such as skis but you’ll need a good stock of warm ski wear with the option of poles, goggles and helmet should you require them.

This cue sport does not require an awful lot of equipment but the quality of the pieces you do get can impact your game in a big way. First off, having a full size table in your home is not an option for many but if it is then you will want to ensure you get a well made slate bed table to get a true roll of the balls.

A nice cue is important but this can vary from person to person depending on what you are comfortable with. The weight of the cue and size of tip are the important factors in how it plays.

If you are heading for the snow topped hills this year for a long snowboarding sessions, make sure you have all the correct equipment with you to keep you both warm and safe. A decent snowboard and bindings will give you a degree of comfort while allowing you freedom of movement.

Skiing is very popular along some of the coastline of Britain with the south west proving to draw the biggest surfer communities and depending on your experience and what sort of thrill you are after you could choose a shortboard, longboard or bodyboard to take to the water with.

Whether you are just taking a dip, keeping fit or racing competitively, swimming gear is important. When you are learning to swim in the first instance you will benefit greatly from swimming aids and floats and as you get better you might want to consider goggles or swimming caps to increase your speed through the water.

There are also choices of what to wear while you are in the pool with trunks or shorts being options for men while women can go for swimming costumes or two piece bikinis.

Without doubt, your choice of tennis racket is what will make the biggest difference to your game. The material the racket is made from effects its weight and the need for shock absorbers while the strings need to be kept tight in order to transfer all the energy from your swing to the ball.

Tennis apparel is sometimes required to play so good tennis shoes, shorts, shirts and skirts should be another investment you make.

Certain sports put the participant in a level of danger both of major injury but also, and more likely, minor bumps, bruises, scrapes and cuts and with these it is worth considering protection in the form of pads. You can get pads for knees, elbows, shins and more along with gum shields should there be a risk of impact in the facial region.