During a soccer match, you don't want distractions from your uniform or safety equipment. Shin guards are worn to protect you from errant kicks and slide tackles, but can actually cause aggravation when ill fitting or moving around in your sock. Some shin guards have elastic-velcro straps or a neoprene sleeve to hold them in place. Others have no straps, and are placed inside your sock. Fitting your shin guards and socks properly is important. If your shin guard is strapless, wrapping it with tape or pre-wrap can also help secure it to your leg
Sizing Your Shin Guard
Step 1
Measure the length of your shin, from below the knee to 1 inch above your shoe's top.
Step 2
Check your soccer association's rules and regulations for the shin guard safety requirements in your league.
Step 3
Purchase a shin guard that most accurately fits the length of your shin bone while adhering to your league's safety standards.
Step 4
Choose a pair of socks that fit snugly and don't slip down to your ankle while you play.
Step 5
Try on the shin guards with your uniform socks to ensure proper fit.
Taping Your Shin Guard
Step 1
Place your shin guard on your leg where it offers the most protection for your shin.
Step 2
Pull on your uniform sock, ensuring there is no excess bunching around your ankle.
Step 3
Wrap a strip of tape around your ankle, over your sock, just below your shin guard. Make sure you can move your ankle comfortably to avoid cutting off the circulation or impeding movement while playing.
Step 4
Wrap another strip of tape just above your shin guard, below your knee. Flexing your calf while taping can help prevent the tape from cutting into your skin or affecting your play.
Step 5
Add a strip of tape around the middle of your leg, if necessary, to hold the shin guard in place.
Using Pre-Wrap to Secure a Shin Guard
Step 1
Place the shin guard on your leg.
Step 2
Use a roll of pre-wrap, wrapping it around your shin guard and leg several times.
Step 3
Wrap the length of the shin guard, to ensure a snug fit.
Step 4
Insert a finger between the pre-wrap and the skin of your calf to make sure your circulation is not restricted.
Step 5
Pull your sock on, over the pre-wrap and shin guard. For additional security, follow the steps in Section 2 to tape your shin guard.
Tips and Warnings
- If none of the above steps work, invest in shin guards attached to a neoprene compression sleeve, or guards that mold to your leg with water.
- Use tape over your sock and pre-wrap under your sock, against your skin. Though taping the shin guard directly to your skin is effective, it's also painful.
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Pre-wrap
- Athletic tape
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