Types of Protective Gear
DICK'S Sporting Goods offers a wide variety of football protective gear from top brands, including Shock Doctor, Under Armour, Nike and Schutt, that is designed to keep both youth and adult players safe as they compete on the field.
At DICK', you can shop a wide selection of protective football pads and equipment, including football girdles, integrated compression apparel, padded pants, thigh and knee pads, elbow sleeves and mouth guards. DICK'S also offers rib protection, neck rolls, shoulder pads, hip and tail pads and athletic cups.
Football protection pads are durable, lightweight and shock absorbing to keep you safe without hindering mobility. Shoulder pads offer cutaway arches that improve your range of motion, while integrated compression apparel provides comfort, lightweight padding and moisture-wicking benefits under your uniform.
Buying Considerations
When buying football pads, the position you play should be your primary consideration. A set of shoulder pads for quarterbacks, receivers and kickers should be low-profile and lightweight. These types of positions require maximum mobility for throwing, catching, and kicking. Large accessories, such as neck rolls, should be avoided. Linemen, however, need bigger, heavier pads to protect against the hard hits they receive on the line of scrimmage.
Aside from shoulder pads, another important form of protective gear is secondary pads that cover key contact zones on your body, such as your hips, knees, spine and thighs. These pads can be purchased separately and inserted into slots on your football pants, or they may already be integrated into your compression girdle and football shirt. Integrated compression shirts and padded football girdles are a convenient option for players, proving solid protection and pad security without any excess weight or fitting adjustments.
Tips and Expert Advice
Whether you're a veteran player or just learning the game, wearing the proper protective gear is essential to your comfort and safety on the field. The use of specialized football pads provides protection to key impact areas on your body.
Shoulder pads keep your upper torso protected while also giving you the ability to tackle your opponent safely. Football girdles help hold pads in place to protect your hips, thighs and tailbone. Neck rolls help to keep your head straight while protecting you from neck injuries. Mouth guards protect your teeth and gums while also preventing concussions. Integrated compression shirts offer extra rib protection while also aiding in muscle recovery support.
When shopping for these various forms of protective equipment, it is imperative that your football gear fits properly and won't slide out of place in the heat of play. It is highly recommended that you consult vendor size charts and fitting instructions before making your purchase.
