Hockey is a fast-paced game and, as a result, injuries are common. When a player is injured, it is important to ensure that they are protected and can continue playing. This is where shin guards come in. The following will discuss how to tape up your hockey players’ shin guards.
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The Need For Protection
The need for protection in hockey is obvious. You are playing a fast-paced game and hits are common. During hockey games, players can be hit by the puck, sticks, or even the boards themselves. All of these can cause injuries. In order to prevent injuries, you need to shield your players from the puck, the boards, and the sticks. This is best achieved with shin guards.
Types Of Shin Guards
There are a number of different types of shin guards that you can use to protect your players. The following outline several of the most popular types and features:
- Flexible
- Ribbon
- Medi-Tape
- Knee-Braced
- CCM (Cushioning Cast Metal)
- Hockey Liners
- Tuff-Liner
Flexible
Flexible shin guards are often preferred by young players because they are more comfortable and allow for greater movement. Furthermore, they allow for better peripheral vision.
Flexible shin guards are frequently used by hockey players, especially those participating in team sports. Team sports require a great deal of movement and flexibility, which makes flexible shin guards extremely effective. During a game, the ball can change direction quickly and unpredictably, which makes protection through a rigid structure less effective. If you are looking for a lightweight option, then flexible shin guards are ideal.
Ribbon
Ribbon shin guards are the classic choice among hockey players. They are very popular because they offer excellent protection while still fitting comfortably under the jersey. They are also extremely durable and stretchable.
Ribbon shin guards were originally developed for motorcyclists and are thus also called “cycle guards.” Because they are stretchable, you can size them to fit any adult within a few minutes. During hockey games, players can quickly change direction, which makes sizing adjustments difficult.
Ribbon shin guards are available in a variety of different materials and designs, allowing you to choose one that suits your team’s needs and style.
Medi-Tape
If you are looking for the best of the best when it comes to shin guards, then you should consider buying medi-tape protected shin guards. Medi-Tape is the registered trademark of CTS Inc, and the company that created it.
Medi-Tape protects your players’ knees and lower legs from both heavy impact and from twisting movements. This makes it the ideal choice for active adults who play sports that require frequent movement or who play in extreme conditions. When used in combination with knee braces, the results are extraordinary.
CTS has manufactured a line of mediatech sports products that are specifically designed for professional sports teams and individual players.
Medi-Tape is an excellent choice for hockey players because of its versatility. It is highly resistant to stretching and is durable enough to withstand frequent hits. It is also easy to apply, especially in wet or cold weather conditions. When the weather is nice, though, it is difficult to hold the fabric still while applying it, as it tends to stick to your skin.
Knee Braced
If you are looking for protection that will withstand the most extreme conditions, then you should consider buying a knee braced shin guard. Most knee braced shin guards are also equipped with a metal plate that connects to the upper body via two hooks or straps. This provides additional stability in the event of a hit or fall. Additionally, knee braced shin guards are built to withstand considerable torque, meaning they can prevent injuries caused by twisting movements or hits from behind.
Knee braces were originally designed for use in motocross racing, but have found their way into virtually all sports, including hockey.
CCM (Cushioning Cast Metal)
If you are looking for the ultimate in protection, especially if you play in wet or snowy conditions, then you should consider buying CCM (Cushioning Cast Metal) shin guards. These are the Rolls-Royce of the shin guard world. They are expensive, but for good reason. They are practically indestructible and can withstand serious impact.
CCM shin guards are frequently chosen by racers because of their superior protective qualities. They were originally developed for use in auto racing and are now used in a variety of settings, including hockey. Because they are designed to absorb the force of a hit rather than transmit it to the body, injury is less likely to occur. This is because the body’s primary protective mechanism, the skull, will be spared from the majority of the impact.
Hockey Liners
If you are playing in a league that has strict regulations regarding what type of pads your players can use, then you should consider buying hockey liners. These are similar to knee pads in that they aim to shield your players from impact. However, they do not provide as much protection and are more suitable for use in blocking shots or preventing injuries to the head or neck. During hockey games, your players will be on the lookout for pucks and sticks that are flying their way. Blocking shots with your head is dangerous and can lead to serious injury.
Tuff-Liner
Tuff liners are great for people who play sports that require them to be active in the water, such as kayaking or canoeing. These liners trap water, which in most cases makes them heavier and more cumbersome to move around. This makes them perfect for use during physical activity in open water conditions.
Tuff-Liners utilize a flexible plastic shield with a hook and loop fastener, which provides an adjustable fit that can be wet or dry. This enables your players to use them while playing in virtually any condition. The material is also abrasion-resistant, which makes it ideal for use in aggressive play or on rough ground surfaces. During a game, your players will be maneuvering through the water, which makes it essential that they are protected from the abrasive effects of the water and any other rough surfaces it may contain. Tuff-Liners are a fantastic option if you are looking for the best of both worlds; the durability of metal with the adjustability of plastic.
If you are looking for a lightweight yet durable alternative to hard plastic shields, then you should give tuff liners a try. They are highly efficient at protecting your players’ knees and lower legs from both heavy impact and from twisting movements. The water-retaining feature also makes them ideal for use in aggressive play or in wet or cold weather conditions, when your players are more likely to be slipping and falling on the ice or off the side of a boat.
Final Takeaway
Protecting your players is important for ensuring that they are able to enjoy their time on the ice. This is especially important if they are suffering from a previous injury that has not yet healed properly. The above items will assist you in choosing the right type of shin guard for your team.