In the world of soccer, shin guards are perhaps the most important piece of equipment any soccer player should invest in. Whether you’re a veteran player or a novice, shin guards are what let you play the sport without getting injured. If you want to compete in a serious game of soccer, you better have a good pair of quality shin guards that fit just right. Otherwise, you won’t be able to play well at all. Now, the question is, how can you make sure you get the right fit? Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right soccer shin guards for training or competing.
Why Are Shin Guards Important?
Shin guards are an essential piece of equipment because they protect the vulnerable shins of soccer players from exposure to tackles, kicks, and other knocks. Our shin bones are not adequately insulated by muscle and tissue, which is why they require a certain level of protection when playing. As a protective feature, shin guards will reduce the impact on the shin bone caused by stray kicks or tackles. Although shin guards can’t lessen the pain of the impact drastically, it still protects the bone using its tough outer shell.
Consider Your Position
Though all soccer shin guards might seem the same to you, they’re explicitly designed with the soccer positions in mind. However, it’s not as black and white as it may seem. If you primarily play one position, choosing a shin guard would be easier. You’ll want to look for specific features to enhance your game, such as:
Sizing Matters
Sizing is everything when it comes to shin guards. This is determined by the height of the player. Ideally, your shin guard should cover a majority of the area between your knee and your ankle. It’d be best to see the sizing guidelines in the product description of the shin guards you’re buying and examine the size chart. For a great fit, they should fit snugly and be at least 2” below the knee.
Consider Your Level
Finally, you also need to consider your skill and level when playing when choosing shin guards. Younger players may want to opt for guards that are more stable and secure. While this may lead to loss of agility and overall speed, it offers more protection since new players have higher risks of sustaining injuries. Novice players, especially at the school level, should focus more attention on protecting their shins as much as possible.
Conclusion
Soccer can be a rough and violent game at times, so it’s important to have the right protection when playing. Shin guards serve as your companion when training and competing, so it follows to get only the best and most suitable shin guards for your protection.
Grassroots Sports Group brings you quality sports equipment and accessories to help you play faster, stronger, and better. From insoles and shin guards to grip socks for soccer players, our range of sports gear gives you maximum comfort, protection, and flexibility. Check out our G-Form collection to get the latest quality soccer shin guards in Australia.
