NFL League or National Football League is a professional American Football League. It consists of 32 teams. National Football League is divided between National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). Being one of the major professional sports league in the United States, particularly in North America, National Football League is a 17 week regular season that begins the week after Labor Day and goes on until the week after Christmas
Since its inception in 1920, National Football League has gone through a number of changes. Their uniform and Jerseys too have evolved with time.
Here is a brief timeline that depicts the evolution NFL uniforms and jerseys
1920
With its inception, NFL brought with itself some prized franchises. The uniform or jersey’s during this time cost a dime for a dozen. Through the course of time, the teams changed their look. It was not unusual then for a franchise to buy used uniforms. Jersey’s during this time were often made o a real thick material such as wool. Helmets were still not made mandatory by the NFL thus many players played sans the helmet.
1930
Many more NFL franchises came into the picture in the early decade. Wearing helmets were made mandatory during the 1930’s. Jerseys were still made of thick material and usually involved the use of basic colors. This was the time when teams started putting up numbers on all NFL jerseys for identification purposes.
1940
1940 was the time of the first helmet design when an NFL player from Los Angeles Rams painted Ram horns on his helmet. This led to franchises personalizing their teams with modifications. Many teams started switching colors, trying to find out the right color combination.
1950
By this year, NFL teams started to gain a sense of style and this brought never before seen variations in their Jerseys.
1960
1960’s marked the birth of modern day uniform. New teams came up with even interesting Jersey designs.
1970
The style and color of 1970’s started showing off on the NFL fields. It gave birth to the most uncommon color combination of NFL jerseys.
1980
The current jersey designs that we see were actually finalized in the 1980’s.
1990
With the designs getting finalized in 1980’s, 1990’s saw the beginning of the jersey boom. Jersey sales became one of the largest markets in the football merchandize.
2000
The millennium marked the birth of some new expansions. This gave rise to many more jersey changes. Throwback uniforms (from the past decades) became a tradition on Thanksgiving Day games.
It is extremely tough to master the nuances of a complex sport like golf. Beginners, in particular, can find it to be exhausting and confusing because of the multiple rules and equipment involved. While one has to work hard on their skills, with the right clubs, golfing can turn into the most rewarding experience.
The following are some common types of golf clubs newbies should know of.
Woods
These types of golf clubs were initially made of wood; however, they are now created with materials like steel or titanium. Woods are useful for propelling the golf ball to the farthest distances. The heads of such clubs are large and rounded, whereas their base is flat, which allows the player to effortlessly swing the club over the ground. Driver and fairways are the two most popular kinds of woods used.
Irons
The irons are used once the player is closer to the green, i.e., when one is within 200 yards of the hole. The iron golf set covers clubs numbered from 3 to 9 and a pitching wedge. The lower numbered irons can be a little tricky to use. Therefore, several beginners adjust their golf set by picking a few wood clubs so that they could comfortably strike the ball and at the same time cover big distances.
Wedges
The pitching wedge is incorporated in the standard iron set; however, one will need to purchase other types of wedges too. These golf clubs have a high loft with a short shaft and come in handy for hitting the ball over the tree or removing the golf ball from the sand. The sand, gap, and lob are some popular sorts of wedges that can be bought separately. However, the beginners, usually only need the pitching edge. They can buy the additional variety as their level of play advances.
Putters
Every golfer needs putter in their set as it serves an essential purpose, i.e., pushing the ball in the hole when the player is on the green. The putter clubs are available in 3 different styles, including heel-toe, mallet, and traditional blade. Mallets are the recommended option for most beginners. Generally, standard putters are 32 to 36 inches long; however, one can get them customized based on their comfort.
Hybrids
Also called as utility clubs, hybrids are a comparatively a newer addition in professional and recreational golf. The hybrids combine the shaft of the irons and the head of the fairway wood. They are designed to replace the lower numbered irons that are difficult to play with. These clubs cover the same distances as irons but are easier to swing, making them ideal for beginners.
A seasoned player or rookie, it is important to know that the key to a good golf game is using the right club. At times, choosing a golf club can turn into a daunting task because of the extensive range of golf clubs that are available in the market. Several players, especially, beginners make the blunder of buying clubs that don’t agree with their swing mechanics or level of play. Therefore, before making a purchase, here are some essential factors one should scrutinize.
Golf club length
It is imperative for a player to get a golf club of the right length. Standard golf clubs are designed for men and women with an approximate height of 5 foot 10 inches. If players are taller or shorter than the stated height, then they will need to get their golf clubs customized. Likewise, physical strength also needs to be taken into consideration. So, individuals with short stature can opt for lighter golf clubs so that it doesn’t interfere with their swing power.
Grips
The grips are crucial for maintaining the player’s control over the golf club. Going for the wrong grips can impede one’s golf game. There are four types of grips to choose from, i.e., the standard grip, the under-sized grip, the mid-sized grip, and the over-sized grip. Moreover, they come in a variety of textures like smooth, coarse, and abrasive. To pick the best grips, one should consult a professional golf fitter.
Shaft material
The shaft of the golf club makes up for the majority of its weight. Typically, these shafts are created using graphite or steel. Graphite shafts are comparatively more expensive. However, they are lighter and render better distance with every swing. Moreover, their lightness makes it simpler for the player to swing. This feature could benefit people who significantly lack arm strength. Alternatively, steel is heavier and cheaper but makes a great option for individuals who have a good arm strength and need the additional weight to restrain their swings.
Accessories
While buying a golf club, one should ensure to buy some essential accessories like a golf bag, gloves, and shoes. Although it is optional to use gloves and golf shoes, these accessories can come in handy. The gloves can improve the grip on the golf club, and the shoes can prevent the player from slipping and falling on the course.