Football players see a lot of action on the field and it’s important for them, as it is any athlete, to have properly fitting equipment and gear. One of the basic components of football equipment are the football shoulder pads. Figuring out how to measure for and buy the right sizes can be intimidating, but never fear, HRS Informer is here! Just follow our handy guide on how to measure for football shoulder pads help ensure a proper fit with the instructions listed below.

How to Measure for Football Shoulder Pads

Measuring for shoulder pads

First things first, to get the most accurate measurement, have the player wear a close fit shirt and breathe naturally throughout the measurement.

There are three major concerns when sizing for shoulder pads:

AC Width

First you should measure from AC to AC joint (shoulder width). Make sure the player is standing upright and not slouching.

Correctly Fitting Shoulder Pads

Weight

Next get an accurate weight to ensure the pads will fall in the weight range of the player.

Refer to the sizing charts to get the preferred pad size and have player put the pads on.

Check the pads that sit on the shoulder and make sure there is at least a 1’ but
no more than a 1 ½ of extrapadding extending from the players shoulder on each side.

Sternum Protection

If this measurement comes out right then check the sternum area and make sure this part of the player’s chest is covered when hands are extended above the head. Protection to this area is very important because excessive pressure to the sternum can cause unwanted pain to the chest or spinal area.

CHECKING FOR PROPER FITTING SHOULDER PADS BEFORE USING

• Make sure collarbone is adequately covered by top portion of arch area
• Check to be sure neck opening is adequate
• Check to see shoulder joint is covered by top portion of arch area
• Make certain deltoid padding extends to outside edge of shoulder
• Make sure front of shoulder (anterior deltoid) is covered by extension of arch padding
• Be sure pads cannot shift when underarm strap is tightly secured
• No more than a two finger width exsists between strap and body when eslastic underarm strap is secured
• Check to be sure shoulder blade (scapula) is covered by arch and lateral extension of padding
• Be certain arch padding extends below the shoulder blade (scapula)
• Check to be sure there is enough clearance on either side of the neck roll when players hands are raised normally
• With pad centered and firmly secured be sure there is no excessive room at juncture of sternum and clavicle
• Do a final check with both helmet and jersey on the player
• Properly fit jersey will help hold down shoulder pads in proper position
• This is a generalized set of instructions: different size torso’s may require some modification.

Finally, make sure the player has full range of movement while equipped with the helmet and shoulder pads, and enjoy the season in safety!

If you want a more detailed look at how to choose shoulder pads based on position, check out this guide.

As always these are just general guidelines to follow when measuring for/selecting sports equipment. HRSInformer and it’s associates always strive to be as accurate and helpful as possible when providing content and cannot be held responsible for any problems that may arise when using these guides.

Tagged with: buying football shoulder pads, choosing football shoulder pads, how to measure, how to measure for football shoulder pads

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