A Guide to Picking Your Shin Guards for Grassroot Football

Grassroot football can be so fun to play with your team, but there are definitely a couple of downsides to it. One main issue that you’d have to face is the safety of your shins whenever the ball gets passed to you and you need to kick it. The shin bone on your lower legs can be rather vulnerable to pain, after all.

To compensate for that, be sure to get some shin guards. Here’s a guide on picking out your shin guards and getting some socks in as well right before your grassroots football game:

Choosing Your Shin Guards

There are two types of shin guards, one with ankle guards and one without. Shin guards with ankle guards are a two-part piece that protects both the front of your legs and the ankles over it. Younger players who might be newer to grassroots football can use the added protection, wearing it under their socks to keep it in place.

For shin guards without ankle guards, there’s lesser protection. Adult players prefer this though, as there’s a bit more mobility when it comes to moving. It can still be strapped onto the shin, though it’s mostly placed over the socks rather than under them if they’re high enough. Athletic tape can be used to ensure that the shin guards won’t move around without the ankle guards.

Deciding on Your Socks

Choosing your socks is just as important as picking out your shin guards, as how tight or loose it is can affect how you play on the field. An ideal fit would allow the sock’s fabric to stretch and cover the shin guards while allowing you to comfortably move, especially if you’re wearing shin guards with ankle guards.

Before deciding on which socks to purchase, it’d be beneficial to bring some shin guards to test it out first. Try to avoid getting any socks without having some shin guards first, as the former would have to depend on the latter. Walk a little after putting on the full gear to gauge whether you’d be able to run, play and kick with that fit.

Positioning Your Socks

The regulations of the Federation International de Football Association state that the whole shinguard should be covered at all times, though it can vary for different games. The socks that you choose should be high enough to go over them, but there are various ways to position the socks. Here are some of them:

Conclusion

Choosing your shin guards and what socks to match would help you get ready to play some grass football games. Whether you’re a newer player or experienced, always remember that safety is paramount.