If you’re a hockey player, you know how important it is to have the right gear. And one of the most crucial pieces of equipment that can make or break your game are shin guards.
But knowing how to measure for the perfect fit can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the process and find the right size for you.
“In hockey, having properly fitted shin guards not only protects your lower legs but also provides confidence in playing the game.”
Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, getting the right shin guard fit is key to staying protected on the ice while being comfortable and agile enough to move swiftly on skates. So, let’s get started and learn all about measuring your shin guards for the perfect fit!
Why Properly Fitting Shin Guards Are Important For Playing Hockey
Prevent Injuries
Wearing shin guards is essential for protecting yourself from the hard knocks in hockey games. The lower legs can be vulnerable to flying pucks and sticks, as well as collisions with other players. However, simply wearing any type of shin guard will not guarantee complete protection.
The proper fit of your shin guard is key to ensuring full coverage of your shin bone and surrounding soft tissue. If your shin guard is too big or small, it can slide around during the game or leave unprotected areas, increasing your chance of getting hurt. This can also cause discomfort and make you less effective on the ice.
“The shinbone area (tibia) and ankle are two common sources of injury without adequate protective gear.” – Christopher J. Larson, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine
Ensure that your shin guard covers the entire length of your shin down to the top of your skates, extending slightly over the tongue of your skate for maximum coverage. Test out different sizes and brands to find one that fits snugly but allows flexibility to move on the ice comfortably.
Improve Performance
In addition to preventing injuries, properly fitting shin guards can also help improve your performance on the ice. When your mind is not focused on being uncomfortable or worried about getting injured, you can concentrate more on playing at your best.
A comfortable and secure fit can make all the difference in your agility, speed, and overall mobility while playing. Some newer models even have added features such as moisture-wicking fabric and ventilation to keep you dry and cool throughout the game.
“Flexibility and good range of motion are both crucial when selecting the right shin guard to allow for optimal skating performance.” – TotalHockey.com
Consider your playing style, position, and the frequency of hits you take when choosing a shin guard that is not only protective but also functional. Try on different types and evaluate how they feel in different situations such as taking shots or receiving checks.
Properly fitting shin guards are crucial for safety and success on the ice. Take the time to measure yourself accurately and try out different brands and sizes until you find the perfect fit to maximize your game.
What Equipment You Will Need To Measure Your Shin Guards
Tape Measure
A tape measure is an essential tool for measuring your hockey shin guards accurately. Make sure you have a flexible tape measure that can wrap around your leg comfortably and record the measurement in inches or centimeters.
You may not need to buy a new one if you already own a measuring tape, but ensure it’s not too narrow as you’ll want to make precise measurements without gaps between the tape and the cueveness of your legs.
Pen and Paper
In addition to the tape measure, you’ll also need a pen and paper to record your measurements. Writing down the numbers helps to keep track of them and minimizes the risk of forgetting them.
You could use a notebook, a sticky note, or the notes app on your phone; choose whatever works best for you, so long as it allows you to take accurate recordings.
“An inch of time is worth a foot of jade.” -Chinese Proverb
Indeed, taking precise measurements when buying sports gear ensures an excellent fit that offers maximum safety and comfort while playing.
Hockey shin guards protect players from various injuries by offering enough coverage, padding, and durability. Therefore, measuring your shin guards correctly allows for optimal protection of delicate parts such as knees or ankles during gameplay.
The following quick steps guide you through how to measure your shin guards:
- Wear the socks you intend to wear for the game or those similar to them.
- Sit down and stretch out your legs in front of you.
- Use a measuring tape at the center of the kneecap closest to the lower leg.
- Wrap the tape measure around your shin, just below the knee-cap and make a note of the circumference.
- Roughly measure the distance between the inner ankle and 2 inches from the center of the knee. Pro-Tip: You can increase accuracy by measuring both legs separately-three times each (top, bottom, middle) – to ensure overall balance when playing.
Note: Different brands may have different sizing charts; hence it’s vital to double-check their charts before purchasing rather than relying solely on the recorded measurements. Some brands offer size guides that suit players based on weight and height, which also help in choosing the perfect fit for every individual player.
Hockey shin guards come in various sizes that cater to younger, small adult, or larger adult players. A well-fitting shin guard should be snug enough not to slip down during plays while still providing unrestricted movement of the knee without causing any chaffing discomfort.
Properly fitting gear leads to Improved performance and safety!
Step-By-Step Guide To Measuring Your Shin Guards
Step 1: Measure Your Calf Circumference
Hockey shin guards are an essential part of the game, providing protection to your shins and knees while playing. But how do you ensure that your shin guards fit correctly? The key is to measure your calf circumference and shin length. By following these steps, you can find the perfect size for your hockey shin guards.
To begin, take a flexible measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of your calf muscle. Be sure to keep the measuring tape snug but not too tight. Write down the measurement in inches or centimeters, whichever unit of measurement you prefer.
It’s important to note that different brands may have varying sizing charts, so be sure to check their measurements before making a purchase.
Step 2: Measure Your Shin Length
The second step is to measure your shin from the bottom of your knee cap to the top of your ankle bone. This will give you the exact length needed for your shin guard to fully protect you during gameplay. Again, use a flexible measuring tape and take the measurement in inches or centimeters.
When measuring, ensure that you are standing up straight with your foot flat on the ground. It’s also beneficial to have someone else assist you as they can ensure the tape is level all the way around.
If your leg shape falls between two sizes, it’s best to choose a larger one. Not only does this provide better protection, but it offers more space to accommodate bulky socks or other apparel that players wear underneath the shin pads.
“The wrong size of the shin guard could result in injury and affect player performance” – SportsRec
Now that you have your calf circumference and shin length measurements, you can confidently choose the correct size for your hockey shin guards. Remember to check the sizing chart of the brand before making a purchase.
It’s essential to ensure that your hockey equipment suits you optimally when it comes to size. Wearing ill-fitting gear can lead to discomfort during the game, impairing your movement and performance, or even worse, resulting in injury.
“Choosing appropriately sized protective equipment is crucial to reducing athletic injuries.” – Nationwide Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine
By taking the extra time to measure your calf circumference and shin length accurately, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re well-protected on the ice.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Measuring Shin Guards
Measuring Only One Leg
One common mistake people make when measuring hockey shin guards is only measuring one leg. It’s important to measure both legs because they may not be the same length or have the same muscle mass, which can affect the fit of the shin guard.
To get an accurate measurement for both legs, start by placing a soft tape measure at the center of the kneecap and extend it downward along the front of the leg until you reach the top of the ankle bone. Take note of the distance on each leg and choose a shin guard size that fits the larger leg comfortably to ensure proper protection during gameplay.
Measuring Over Thick Clothing
Another common mistake is measuring over thick clothing. This can add additional inches to your measurements and lead to improperly fitting shin guards. Always measure bare skin or over thin compression pants to get an accurate measurement.
It’s important to wear compression pants under your shin guards to protect yourself from sweat and reduce irritation or chafing. They also provide a secure base for the shin guard to prevent sliding around while playing.
Not Considering the Type of Socks You Will Wear
The type of socks you wear can also impact how your shin guards fit. Make sure to factor in the thickness of your socks when taking your measurements.
If you typically wear thicker socks during gameplay, take your measurements with these socks on to ensure you won’t run into any problems. If possible, try out different sock thicknesses with your new shin guards to find what feels most comfortable and offers the best protection.
“Properly fitted hockey equipment provides better protection and performance than poorly fitting equipment.” – Hockey Canada
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you get the best fit for your hockey shin guards. Properly fitting equipment is crucial to both protection and performance on the ice.
How To Ensure Your Shin Guards Provide Optimal Protection On The Ice
Proper Fit
The first step in ensuring your shin guards provide optimal protection is to make sure that they are properly fitted to your legs. This means measuring the length of your lower leg from just below the knee to just above the ankle bone.
To do this, place a flexible tape measure at the top edge of your shin pad and measure straight down to the instep of your foot while standing with your weight on both feet.
A snug fit is essential for proper protection. If there is too much room between your leg and the shin guard, you run the risk of getting hit by a puck or stick where there is no padding.
An ill-fitting shin guard can also slide out of place during gameplay which renders the goal of protecting the legs useless.
Selecting the Right Type of Shin Guards
Another important factor in protecting your shins during ice hockey is selecting the right type of shin guard for your position on the ice.
Forwards may prefer lighter shin guards that are more mobile and allow them to move quickly around opponents. However, defensemen might opt for heavier and larger shin guards that offer maximum protection as their roles often require engaging in physical contact with other players..
- Molded plastic shin guards tend to be the most affordable but may not offer enough protection for beginners who are still mastering their skating skills. These work best when paired with extra thick socks.
- Foam core shin guards have foam padding inside the plastic shell making them lightweight yet durable. They’re perfect for intermediate level players.
- XRD® Foam technology-developed shin guards redistribute energy placed upon them, absorbing and dispersing the impact evenly. These provide maximum protection, which makes them perfect for advanced players.
Wearing the Shin Guards Correctly
The next step is to ensure that you are wearing your shin guards correctly; this will prevent injuries on the ice. When putting on the shin guard, make sure it is centered on your calf and covers the entire front of the leg.
You should adjust any straps or closures until they are snug but not too tight around the leg. A properly worn shin guard will stay in place even when skating at full speed or receiving a hard hit.
In addition to protecting against contact with sticks or pucks, well-fitted shinpads can also reduce muscle vibrations., which lessens lower body fatigue throughout the game.
Replacing Damaged Shin Guards
To maintain optimal protection, it’s essential to replace any damaged shin guards immediately. Even if no damage seems visible from outside traumatic hits similar to those on metal sheets may have caused damage internally resulting in cracks.
If parts of the padding inside the shin guard shift out of position during play time, your legs could get injured by being exposed to potentially damaging impacts.
“Unbeknownst to many, broken-down equipment – such as old, cracked pads – don’t function like they’re supposed to, leaving athletes vulnerable to potential injury.” -Dr. James Rulison, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Midwest Institute for Sports Medicine
While replacing pads every season may seem impractical, doing so ensures maintaining healthy and fit always.Taking care of the shin guards assures the longevity of equipment, giving good value for your money.
By taking these protective measures and maintaining the proper gear on the ice, players not only reduce their chances of injury but increase their level of confidence and enjoyment while participating in ice hockey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is needed to measure hockey shin guards?
To measure hockey shin guards, you will need a measuring tape, a pen, and a flat surface. You may also find it helpful to have someone else assist you in taking the measurements to ensure accuracy.
What are the steps to properly measure hockey shin guards?
First, place the shin guard on a flat surface. Then, measure the length from the center of the kneecap to the top of the skate blade. Next, measure the width of the widest part of the calf. Lastly, measure the circumference of the ankle. These measurements will ensure a proper fit and adequate protection.
How do you know if the shin guards fit correctly?
The shin guards should fit snugly and comfortably around the calf and ankle. They should also cover the entire shin, from just below the knee to the top of the skate blade. If there are any gaps or areas where the shin is not protected, the shin guards may not fit properly and should be adjusted or replaced.
What should you consider when purchasing hockey shin guards?
When purchasing hockey shin guards, consider the level of play, the player’s position, and personal preferences. Higher levels of play may require more advanced protection, while forwards may prefer lighter and more flexible shin guards. It is also important to ensure a proper fit and consider any additional features, such as removable liners or ventilation.
Do different brands of hockey shin guards have different sizing charts?
Yes, different brands of hockey shin guards may have slightly different sizing charts. It is important to refer to the specific brand’s sizing chart to ensure an accurate fit. Some brands may also offer different sizing options, such as youth, junior, and senior sizes, to accommodate different age groups and skill levels.