But picking the best helmet for a specific sport can get tricky, with so many different designs and materials to choose from. After analyzing the data, Wang’s team determined that a player’s best selection frequently depends on their level of play. It’s vital that coaches, players, and helmet designers factor in their specific game’s various possibilities, such as a ball’s interaction with gravity, rebound potential, angle, and more. Despite this, the study reinforces the importance of continued research into helmet improvements and sports-related injuries. Meanwhile, when it comes to selecting protection before heading out onto a field, one rule remains constant: almost any helmet is better than nothing.