Soccer is a beautiful sport around the world, but it is not beautiful when you kick your shin.
It is possible to get kicked in the legs during the excitement of soccer. It is important to learn how to use shinguards in soccer.
It doesn’t matter what level you play, it is important to avoid painful shin injury. Shin guards for soccer protect sensitive areas of the leg. Even soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is said to have customized shin protectors that he uses before he plays!
Shin guards are only effective if they are properly fitted and the right size. You or your family members are just starting out in soccer? Read on to learn how to properly wear shinguards.
Shin Guards: How to Wear
Your shin guard is the first thing that you should wear when you’re getting ready for a practice, game, or pickup game.
1. Select Your Shin Guard
To ensure that you are properly wearing your shin protectors, the first thing to do is to choose the correct pair. Although this can vary from one person to another, there are some things you need to know.
Choose the right type of Shin Pad
There are three types of shin pads you can buy when you shop for them.
Ankle shin protectors are a popular choice among youth and intermediate-level players. These shin protectors include a cloth stirrup under your foot, and an elastic strap at its top that secures around your calf. Additional protection against kicks is provided by the cloth wrapped around your ankle.
Shin socks include a shin guard in the sole. Because they are so simple to use, these socks are very popular among children.
Slip-in Shin Guards are small, lightweight protectors that slip right into your soccer socks. You can hold them in place with a tight-fitting socks, ankle shield, tape, or tape. Slip-in shin protectors are often used by professional and advanced players because they don’t interfere with their movement.
There are many brands and price points to choose from. See reviews to find the top-rated shin protectors.
Find the right size
The right size shin protector will provide you with maximum protection, but it won’t limit your mobility.
How do shin protectors fit? The proper fitting shin protectors should extend from just above your ankle to just below your knee. This measurement will help you determine the right size shin protector.
These are great to try!
Try on your shin protectors before you buy them.
As if you were having fun, move around like you are playing. Play soccer by walking, running and doing whatever else you can while moving. While playing soccer, a properly fitting shinguard will keep your movements free and unrestricted.
Try a different size if the shinguard is rubbing against your ankle, or does not fit properly.
2. It’s time to get ready – Get your Shin Guards on
It’s game time! It is now time to get them on!
Wearing ankle shin protectors? Place your foot through the support and pull your leg up. Make sure your shin guard is properly aligned.
Shin guards can be worn on either one or both legs. However, some soccer shin protectors have a higher side or curve to fit the left or right leg. This type of shinguard is for you. The higher side will be on your outside leg. Most likely, they will have a label on the back that indicates left or right.
Secure your shin guard. Secure the elastic strap at top of your shinguard. The shin guards should be snug enough to ensure they stay in place, but not so tight that your leg starts to feel numb.
Slip-ins that have sleeves will require you to first put the sleeves on. Then, pull them up high enough to reach your shins and then place the shin guard inside the appropriate sleeve.
3. Sock Time – How To Wear Socks with Shin Guards
Let’s now discuss how to wear soccer socks with shinguards. After you have secured your shinguard or inserted them into the sleeves of your soccer socks, pull your socks up over the shinguard.
They should be snug enough to keep your soccer socks in place. They shouldn’t be too tight, however, that they become uncomfortable.
You can use extra socks fabric to stretch up over your knees and fold it over the top of the Shin Guard.
Shin Guards under or over socks
You can wear your shin protectors under your socks, but it is not a rule in most leagues.
Soccer socks are recommended to protect your shin guard from the plastic and other materials found in shin pads. This could cause injury or cut to you or others. Although it is rare, sharp edges could be caused by a broken Shin Guard. In most leagues, it is a requirement that your socks be over the guards.
Athletic tape may be necessary to secure your shinguard. Athletic tape can be used to secure your shinguard during games by players who prefer slip-in shinguards or those who notice that their shin guard moves frequently.
You can bring extra athletic tape to games and practice if your shin guards start moving.
4. Get your shoes laced up
Your soccer cleats are the last thing you’ll wear.
Make sure to check everything last minute so it feels safe. Your cleats shouldn’t rub against or disturb the shin guards. You can move around to make sure you’re ready to play.
Take care of your Shin Guards
It is crucial to take care of your shinguards. Dirty shin guards are a breeding ground for bacteria and a source of odor.
For specific instructions on washing shinguards, you can consult the manufacturer. However, most shinguards can be washed in the washer. They should not be dried in the dryer.
Before you use them again, let them dry.
Regularly inspect your shinguards for cracks. Although it is possible for shinguards to crack, this is rare.
Shin Guards are important
While you don’t need much gear for soccer, shinguards are essential. Most soccer leagues require players to wear them.
Studies have shown that shinguards can help prevent injury. Knowing that your lower legs will be covered will increase your confidence. It is a good idea to wear them at all times, whether you are practicing or playing in a game.
Your shin guards should be kept with your soccer gear. Always wear them!
Get ready to play!
You now know how to wear shinguards. It is time to go out and have fun!
While it is not pleasant to be kicked in the shins by someone else, properly fitting shin protectors can reduce the risk of injury. Wearing shinguards can give you the confidence to play in any soccer league or practice.
Enjoy the game now!