Wearing football pads is essential for football players. While primarily worn for protection, they can help a player administer a block or a tackle. Football pads protect the shoulders, upper legs, hips, knees, ribs and shins. If the pads are worn the correct way, the equipment will not impact the player's ability to move or run quickly. If it is not worn correctly, the equipment may not provide full protection.
Step 1
Wear a T-shirt before you put on your shoulder pads. The hard plastic pads can be somewhat abrasive on your skin, so a cotton shirt will protect you. Slide shoulder pads over your head and if there is any slack, pull the cord in the chest area of the pads if you need to tighten them. The shoulder pads will sit flat and provide protection to your shoulders and upper chest.
Step 2
Snap the rib pads to the bottom of the shoulder pads if you are going to wear this protective piece of equipment. Rib pads are often worn by quarterbacks and those who have suffered rib injuries in the past. They are a bit bulky but they will protect the ribs.
Step 3
Insert your thigh and knee pads into the front pocket on your uniform pants. The thigh and knee pads slide right into this area and the pocket is easily sealed with a Velcro strip. This Velcro strip is part of the uniform pants
Step 4
Snap on a football girdle to help secure your hip pads. Hip pads are considered vital for running backs and receivers and anyone who may get thrown down to the ground while carrying the ball. The hip pads cover the point of both the right and left hips and provide protection.
Step 5
Place the athletic cup inside the jocks strap, then pull the jock strap on. Many football players find the jock strap and cup cumbersome and comfortable. Some players have been known to go out on the field without one. But players can and do suffer serious injuries when they don't wear this vital piece of protective equipment.
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