How to Buy Football Protective Gear
To be successful throughout football season, you need the correct gear to enhance your performance, and more importantly, minimize the risk of injury. Whether you have been playing for years, or are just entering a youth league, DICK'S Sporting Goods has everything you need for the total football experience. We carry an assortment of different protective equipment and accessories for both youth and adults. In this guide, you will find helpful buying information about football protective gear.
Shoulder Pads
Shoulder pads are available in both youth and adult sizes, and different positions require different types of functionality. Typically, defensive players such as linemen or full backs want heavier, more protective pads, while offensive players such as quarterbacks and running backs, prefer pads that are lighter, and offer better mobility and visibility.
Consider your position when choosing your shoulder pads:
Quarterback
- Lightweight padding allows for maximum speed and better range of motion
- Avoid excess or heavy epaulets that weigh you down or restrict movement
- Low-profile design keeps pads from riding up or obstructing your view of the field or an open man
- High-impact foam protects against strong, play-ending hits from the defense
- For quarterbacks more focused on the running game, consider pads specifically designed for running backs or wide receivers, which provide more protection
Kicking Game
- Most punters and place kickers use quarterback pads, since these are the lightest pads and allow the greatest range of motion
Skilled Positions (Running Back, Wide Receiver, Defensive Back)
- Extra lightweight padding absorb hits, while still allowing you to move quickly on the field
- Low profile-design will not ride up during big plays
- Untied hitting flaps help achieve optimal arm motion when catching the football, or defensively interrupting a pass
Multi-purpose
- High-impact padding protects against the roughest of plays
- Features plated front pads that give a secure, locked-in fit that also minimize the need to readjust
- Heavier construction in comparison to quarterback or running back pads, though light enough to make quick cuts
Linemen
- Toughest, heaviest pads protect against constant, hard-hitting opponents
- No excess epaulets for opposing linemen to grab onto
- Ample mobility against the opposing line
Measurements for Shoulder Pads
Now that we know which type of shoulder pads will best compliment your game, follow the guidelines below to determine proper sizing and fit. This step is essential for minimizing the risk of injury.
1. Stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
2. Measure your shoulder width across your back from one AC joint to the other (these are the joints between the tops of your shoulders), and record this number.
Round up ½" to determine your shoulder width size.
3. Take measuring tape and find the circumference of the chest by wrapping around your chest, under the armpits, and record this number.
4. Youth sizes are also typically determined by weight class, so it is important to know your weight as well.
*The following chart is a loose guide for you to follow when selecting a size. Actual sizes may vary. It is important to have a proper fit that provides an efficient amount of coverage on the field. Please view charts on individual product pages for more specific sizing.
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Integrated Compression
Basic compression shirts, pants and girdles are made of lightweight and ventilated materials, specifically designed to wick away moisture from your body. Compression technology will help keep you cool and dry, and helps avoid chafing.
Some shirts and girdles may already include additional padding that is sewn in at the time of manufacturing. This is called Integrated Compression or padded compression. Their purpose is to provide extra protection and comfort all in one. Some styles may include more padding than others. Because of its construction, Integrated Compression eliminates pad shifting, so you won't have to readjust in between plays.
Tip: You do not want to wear integrated girdles and integrated pants together. Choose a standard compression girdle or pair of compression pants to go along with your integrated piece.
Integrated Compression Shirts
- Worn underneath your shoulder pads, for added protection and comfort
- Padding already sewn into shirt
- Padded areas may include the shoulders, ribs, or spine
- Refer to label inside garment for washing instructions
Integrated Compression Girdles
- Worn underneath standard compression pants, delivers lightweight impact protection
- Padding already sewn into girdle
- Padded areas may include the thighs, hips and tailbone
- Refer to label inside garment for washing instructions
Integrated Compression Pants
- Worn over top of standard compression girdles, delivers lightweight impact protection
- Padding already sewn into pants
- Padded areas may include the thighs, hips and tailbone
- Refer to label inside of garment for washing instructions
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Additional Padding
You may choose to purchase additional protective padding for maximum safety on the field. Remember, integrated compression shirts and girdles may already incorporate some extra padding.
Collar Pads/Neck Rolls
- Absorb impact around the neck and head area
- Attach to the back of your shoulder pads
- Stabilize helmet
Rib Vests
- Provide extra impact protection for blows to the mid-region
- Some styles may attach to the shoulder pads, be worn underneath the shoulder pads or are complete with harnesses
Arm Pads
- Offered in a variety of sizes, some cover long areas, while others specifically target the elbow
- Protect against hits and scraps
- Breathable fabrics keep you cool, and are not big and bulky
Thigh Pads
- Fit into girdles with pockets designed to insert pads
- Absorb shock upon impact
Knee Pads
- Protect against injury to the knee
- Do not interfere with mobility
Cups and Supporters
- Secures into a girdle pocket or jockstrap
- Protects during contact
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Football Gloves
There is more to a pair of gloves than just keeping your hands warm. Choose the glove that best fits your game, and gives you the most confidence to play with no boundaries this season. While it is all about personal preference, different types of gloves have position-specific functionalities. DICK'S Sporting Goods carries unique designs in both adult and youth sizes, which enhance on-field performance.
Receiver Gloves
All skilled players such as wide receivers, tight ends or running backs can benefit from the excellent grip details along the palms of receiver gloves. The grip details are meant to improve ball control in any weather condition, so you can give it your all until the end of the fourth quarter. Receiver gloves are constructed with breathable materials and extra lightweight padding that will both keep you cool and provide extra protection on the field.
Lineman Gloves
With all that force in the front of the line, lineman gloves minimize the chance of bruising and injury. Additional padding in areas like the knuckles and wrists provide extra protection and don't get in the way or inhibit performance. Breathable materials and perforations increase comfort, so you can last until the final play.
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FAQ's
1. How do I know if my shoulder pads fit correctly?
Well-fitted pads should provide coverage for the shoulders, chest and back. Your pads should hang approximately ½ inch over the end of your shoulder. They should be close to the body with no sliding.
2. How often should I inspect my equipment?
The condition of your equipment can be altered due to misuse, collisions, weather and general wear and tear. With this in mind, inspect your gear as often as possible, and at the end of each season. Before the start of a new season, make sure that your equipment fits properly.
3. Can I wash my Integrated Compression pieces in the washer?
Check the tags for appropriate care instructions.
4. What additional padding should I buy?
Check with your coach to see what your league requires. You will need a helmet, shoulder pads, mouthguard, cup and girdle. Integrated compression shirts, pants and girdles incorporate additional pads, helping to maximize safety and comfort on the field. Select styles may include more padding than others.
5. What if I don't have a set position?
Multipurpose gear is available, and will provide safety and protection for the versatile athlete.
6. Can I add more adhesive to the palm of my gloves?
You will want to check with your league before adding any sort of adhesive or extra grip to your gloves, as this might be considered an unfair advantage, and may be prohibited.
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