Beginners guide how to wear shin guards
Shin guards are required safety equipment for playing soccer at all levels, including training and matches. Learning how to wear shin guards correctly is essential, as accidental or intentional kicks to the shins are one of the game’s biggest injury risks. Proper placement and fit help reduce impact and protect the lower legs, especially for younger players who need full coverage.
As players grow older and more skilled, accidental contact may decrease, but stronger challenges make wearing shin guards properly just as important for continued protection.
All shin guard packaging has a size chart as a guide. We have found that size recommendations have decreased over time and now don’t provide adequate coverage in many cases. With that; many times we recommend one size larger than the guidelines suggest.
For new players; shin guards are worn against the leg with the team soccer socks covering the guard. Some shin guards offer ankle protection in addition to the shin coverage and these are good for some specific players.
- First would be a young player, someone beginning the sport at a recreational level where the chance of being kicked on the side of the ankle increases.
- Second would be a player that has an ankle injury or has suffered with contact in this area and wants to be covered. Guards that do not have an attached ankle piece and Velcro closure typically come with a compression sleeve. This sleeve is worn on the shin like a sock but the compression fit enhances the fit of the guard and helps keep it in place during play.
The G-Form company has revolutionized design with a proprietary foam material that hardens on impact. This technology has allowed the guard to be more comfortable to wear and offer superior protection from injury. They offer two kinds of fit; one similar to the above with a guard and compression sleeve to keep in place.
The second has the guard and sleeve as one piece offering a great fit. The benefits of this guard are the great protection, comfortable fit, ability to stay in place, and are machine washable. This helps to keep the guards smelling good and safe from bacteria.
Even professional players wear shin guards, often opting for smaller sizes to maintain comfort and freedom of movement. This highlights the pros wearing shin guards, as they protect the vulnerable tibia while allowing players to perform at a high level.
The pros wearing mini shin guards choose them for their lightweight, low-profile design, which supports quicker reactions, better ball control, and reduced restriction during intense play.
