Based on the provided reference, one significant aspect linked to the hardness of the outer portion of football helmets is its effect on player behavior within the sport.
The reference states that the hardness of the outer portion of the helmet promotes its use as a striking force.
Hardness and Player Behavior
Football is inherently a contact sport, where making contact is a fundamental part of gameplay. The design of equipment like helmets influences how players interact and engage in this contact.
- The hardness of the outer shell, as highlighted in the reference, encourages players to use the helmet directly in collisions, essentially turning it into a tool for striking.
- This suggests that the physical property of the helmet (its hardness) has a direct impact on strategic and tactical decisions made by players on the field, potentially leading to more forceful, helmet-first contact.
The Incentive to Strike
The reference further notes that "Softening the contact reduces the incentive to use the helmet as a striking force." This implies a direct relationship where the harder the contact feels (due to the helmet's shell), the greater the perceived or actual utility players find in using the helmet in this aggressive manner. Conversely, reducing the hardness or perceived impact force might decrease the motivation for players to lead with their helmets when striking opponents.
While internal helmet designs focus on absorbing impact and protecting the wearer, the reference points specifically to the hardness of the outer material as a factor that shapes player action, promoting the use of the helmet in striking maneuvers.
