5 Best Football Training Equipment 2020 | The Sun UK

THE WRITER Malcolm Gladwell famously wrote about the '10,000 Hour Rule', which states that if you practice a specific task, like football, for a certain amount of time over a certain period, you can become a total pro.

Since we're short on time, we'll need some extra help, which is why we'll be buying the best football training equipment to up our game on the pitch.

There are lots of different bits of kit to help with your football training.

If you're looking for a cheap and easy football training aid, a speed agility ladder that can help with coordination and quickness training, can be a useful item for the back yard.

A 'skills trainer' is another useful, inexpensive piece of kit: it's a cord that attaches to your wrist and wraps around the ball so you can practice your shooting, passing and ball control without bending to retrieve the ball every few seconds.

Target goals are great for kids who want to practice their shooting in the backyard, as are rebounder nets.

For those looking for the next level in intensity - or just want a fun new gadget - we've got you covered. Three words: GPS tracker vest.

This article and featured products have been independently chosen by Sun journalists. It contains links which are ads, and if you click a link and buy a product we will earn revenue.

1. Best football training equipment: FORZA Speed Agility Ladder 

This versatile speed and agility ladder can help you improve across a whole range of sports, not just football.

The design features adjustable hi-viz plastic rungs and sturdy nylon side rails which work for training drills - you can combine a few together for an even more intense workout.

It's a good tool for getting you faster, better-coordinated and more agile - and fans can't rave about it enough.

'Great speed ladder.

'I bought two, for coaching my athletes, speed, agility and quickness training. Definitely a good buy', writes a customer.

2. Best football training equipment: Rexco Rebounder Net

Rebounder nets are a useful piece of kit when kicking the ball around the back garden.

There are a range of versions available online - some costing as much as £100 - but you don't need to spend a fortune to get a quality rebounder.

This adjustable 100cm x 100cm net is lightweight and easy to move around, and reviewers say it's 'great fun' and has helped in improving ball control.

'Wanted a rebounder for my son as used one at football training before.

'Few friends have them and is a good way to learn how to control the ball. Great fun for my 7 year old who enjoys playing with it.

'Can fold away but need to disassemble a bit first. Pleased with the quality etc for the price', writes a reviewer.

3. Best football training equipment: PLAYR Football GPS Tracker

For those who want to up the ante and take their game to the next level, this PLAYR System includes a GPS tracker (SmartPod) and vest, as well as an app.

The Smartpod secures into the vest's upper back while you play.

This training tool has a range of different capabilities.

Using heatmaps it lets you track distance, speed, power and sprints, and also gamifies your practice, letting you see how you rank against friends, teammates and professional footballers.

Fans love it, calling it a 'game changer', an 'amazing piece of kit' and the 'best tracker I've used'.

As one convert puts it:

'The Smartcoach and the stats make you feel like a real professional footballer and pushes you to want to become that, as well as helping you achieve that by showing you where to improve'.

• PLAYR Football GPS Tracker: Pod + Vest + App, for £179 on Pro Direct Soccer - buy here

4. Best football training equipment: Football Flick Urban Net Target Skills Training Goal

This pop-up target goal (it measures 4'3 x 3'3') is useful for practicing target passing and shooting skills.

It can be left open or set up with five accuracy targets to hit.

Since it folds down easily and includes a carry bag and pegs, it's easily transportable for target practice in the park.

It's also made from a durable fibre glass and fabric combo.

'We got this as a Christmas gift for our 6 year old last year and we have used it loads since then.

'It's great indoors in the winter and outdoors during the good weather.

'It has been a real hit. We practiced our shots with one side and then flipped it over to play a game. It folds up easily so you can slide under the bed or behind furniture', writes one reviewer.

5. Best football training equipment: Mitre Solo Close Control and Skills Football Training Aid

You don't need a ton of space to practice your football at home.

This Mitre Close Control and Skills Football Training Aid lets you focus on your shooting, passing and ball control 'without annoying neighbours or ruining dad's bedding plants', as one reviewer puts it.

The adjustable strap fits a range of footballs, and the Velcro bit attaches to your wrist.

'Got this skills trainer as a gift, it’s great does exactly what it’s made for and great when you're limited to space, highly recommend', writes one reviewer.

• (AD) Mitre Solo Close Control and Skills Football Training Aid, for £10.38 on Amazon - buy here

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This article and any featured products have been independently chosen by The Sun journalists. All recommendations within the article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click a link and buy a product we may earn revenue: this helps to support The Sun, and in no way affects our recommendations.

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