Football players need good protective gear before taking the field to make sure they remain safe during the game. Even though there is no guarantee that injuries will be prevented, equipment is designed to help players performance and help reduce the risk of injuries.

• Buying football shoulder pads
• How do I find the right size shoulder pads?
• How should shoulder pads fit?
• Additional protective pads

Buying football shoulder pads

Consider the position and what type of protection is needed when choosing shoulder pads

• Quarterbacks
  • Use smaller, lightweight pads that won't limit movement when throwing
  • The flexible, low profile design gives you the protection without weighing you down
• Defensive/Offensive Lineman
  • Like larger, tougher pads that absorb constant hard hitting
  • Lineman need heavy duty shoulder pads with maximum protection and unrestricted movement around arms
• Wide Receivers & Running Backs
  • Want a set of pads that are lightweight and won't slow them down when running across the field
  • The thinner design at the neck and arms allow for flexibility and unrestricted movement
• Defensive Backs
  • Use smaller, flexible pads that absorb hits but allows you to move quickly downfield
  • Prefer pads that are lightweight with a low profile design for full range of motion

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How do I find the right size shoulder pads?

• Stand up straight with arms at your side
• Have someone measure across your back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade
• Round up 1/2" to determine width size

When you find the shoulder pads that are right for you, go to the size chart found on the product, use your measurements to know which size to select

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How should shoulder pads fit?

Try on the pads:

1. Secure all straps and laces for a tight fit in the front and back
2. The pads should fit comfortably on your shoulders and should not pinch your collar
3. The padding should extend 1" from your shoulders
4. The pads should fully cover the clavicle, sternum and upper shoulder
5. When raising and lowering your arms the pads should not ride up on the neck

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Additional protective pads

Thigh pads

• Made from either foam, that is lightweight and molds to the body, or vinyl dipped, that is thick for better protection
• Fits pockets inside football pants or girdles with pockets designed to insert pads

Knee pads

• Made from either foam, that is lightweight and molds to the body, or vinyl dipped, that is thick for better protection
• Soft pads, foam-encased that slide into the pockets of most football pants

Neck rolls/Collar pads

Protect your neck from harm when playing football by wearing neck rolls and shoulder pad collars

• Neck rolls should be comfortable and supportive
• Attachs to the neck area of the shoulder pads to cradle and hold the neck in it's proper place
• Most manufacturers make specific models to fit their pads

Forearm pads

Forearm pads come in a variety of materials, sizes and cushions

• For a proper fit the pad should be close to the wrist and the elbow
• Put your arms down and swing them back and forth, the pads should not slip
• Forearm pads should be comfortable, but tight enough so they don't slide or move around on impact

Hip and Tailbone pads

• Hip pads are worn mainly by players who take punishment from tackles such as quarterbacks, receivers and running backs
• Tailbone pads are worn by running backs and receivers who often get hit there
• Hip and tailbone pads are usually sold as a set of three
• A girdle needs to be purchased for these pads, since
• Football pants are not designed with pockets for hip and tailbone pads, so a girdle will have to be bought

Rib vests

• Vests are worn under the jersey, attached directly to the shoulder pads or separately
• Rib vests are fitted by chest size according to the maker's specifications
• Most manufacturers sell rib protectors made specifically for their shoulder pads

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