Shin guards protect the lower legs of soccer players from errant kicks. Shin guards range in size and style from small plastic inserts to large guards that protect most of the lower leg and ankle. When choosing your shin guard, consider how it impacts your touch on the ball and make sure that it fits flush against your leg.
Fabric With Ankle Guards
The most common type of shin guard worn by youth players is fabric with hard plastic inserts and ankle guards. The ankle guard is a fabric sleeve that slides over your ankle and protects your ankle bones with small plastic cups. The shin guard portion consists of a fabric sleeve into which is inserted a large plastic shin guard. The shin guard secures to the leg with a Velcro strap.
Plastic With Padding and Velcro
A shin guard often used by intermediate players is plastic with padding and Velcro. A thin layer of dense foam is applied to the back of a typical plastic shin guard insert. Velcro straps are added to the top and bottom of the shin guard and secure around the back of your leg. These shin guards are typically bulkier and longer than plain inserts with sleeves, but they do provide more protection. If you find the Velcro straps are uncomfortable, you can wear a thin sock underneath.
Small Plastic Guards with Sleeves
More advanced players favor smaller shin guards that can be moved up and down the shin and impart no restrictions or padding on the ankle. With this type of shin guard, an elastic sleeve islides over your foot and pulls up around your shin area. The sleeve has a slit and pocket where you can insert a small plastic shin guard. The sleeve holds the guard flush with your leg and prevents it from falling down during play. This type of guard also allows you to switch out inserts if they become cracked without having to buy into a completely new shin guard system.
Considerations
Check with your soccer league before purchasing your shin guards. Some youth leagues require shin guards with ankle guards or shin guards of a certain length. If you have shin guard inserts and find that they fall down during play, wrap athletic tape above and below your shin guard, on the outside of your sock. The tape will hold your shin guard in place as long as your sock stays up.
Member Comments