Shin guards protect the shins from injury during soccer, specifically from being kicked with cleats; they can protect your legs from being broken. There are several types of shin guards. The most convenient types for soccer come in the form of ankle-support and regular shin guards.
Step 1
Select a shin guard. The two types of shin guard are the ankle-support shin guard and the regular shin guard. The former includes an additional portion at its base that extends to the top of the ankle. Regular shin guards only cover the shins. Be sure that the guards are long enough to cover your shins from beneath the kneecap to about three inches above the ankle.
Step 2
Put on your socks, then put on your cleats. You'll need your socks to be knee-length. If you select ankle-support shin guards, you'll want to put them on first, before you put on socks and shoes, since they typically strap on underneath the foot via elastic band. The sock then fits over the guard.
Step 3
Roll your socks down to the top of the cleats.
Step 4
Measure three inches from the top of your ankle, going up. Place your finger on this spot.
Step 5
Lay the shin guard over your shins, with the bottom of the guard at the spot your finger is marking. In other words, shin guards should be placed three inches (perhaps a little more) above the ankle. The shin guard should fit snugly, with elastic straps wrapping around the back of the calf. The straps should not be too tight. If your shin guards are of the ankle-support variety, these will fit naturally around the ankle.
Step 6
Check the top of your shin guard. The top of the shin guard should be directly underneath the kneecap.
Step 7
Roll your socks back up, over the shinguard. The socks should hold the shinguards in place.
Things You'll Need
- Socks
- Cleats
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