How to Choose Football Shoulder Pads
Football shoulder pads are a crucial piece of protective gear for every player, helping to absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury. With so many styles and features available, finding the right fit for your position and play style can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, our Football Experts have put together a complete guide to help you choose the best football shoulder pads for your needs.
Why Football Shoulder Pads Matter
Football is a high-impact sport, and injuries like broken collarbones or dislocated shoulders are common without proper gear. High-quality shoulder pads play a vital role in preventing these injuries by dispersing force and shielding vulnerable areas.
Parts of Football Shoulder Pads
Understanding the key parts of shoulder pads can help you choose the right style and fit for your position.
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Shoulder Caps: These hard plastic or foam caps cover and protect the shoulders from direct hits.
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Impact Plates: Located under the shoulder caps, these plates help disperse impact energy to reduce injury risk.
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Chest Plates: Found at the front, chest plates protect the ribs and upper abdomen using a mix of foam and hard plastic.
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Spine Pads: Positioned along the back, these pads shield the spine and lower back from contact.
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Bicep Pads: Attached inside the pads, these protect the upper arms from side and overhead hits.
Football Shoulder Pads by Position
Different football positions require different types of protection and mobility. Here's a breakdown of what to look for based on your position:
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Quarterbacks & Wide Receivers: Look for lightweight, low-profile shoulder pads that allow maximum range of motion for throwing and catching.
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Offensive & Defensive Linemen: Choose larger, bulkier pads that extend across the chest and back to absorb constant contact in the trenches.
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Running Backs & Linebackers: Opt for raised shoulder pads that provide extra cushioning for frequent hits and tackles.
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All-Purpose Players: Go with hybrid designs that offer a balance of protection and mobility for playing multiple roles.
Expert Tip | Youth players often use all-purpose pads as they explore different positions and learn the fundamentals of the game.
How to Measure for Football Shoulder Pads
Proper fit is key for both comfort and safety. Here are the steps to follow to get the right measurements:
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Measure the Chest Width: Using a soft tape measure, wrap it around the widest part of the chest, which is typically just under the armpits. This is your chest circumference.
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Measure Shoulder Width: Now, measure straight across the back from the tip of one shoulder bone to the other. This is your shoulder width.
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Review the Size Charts: Each brand fits slightly different, so it’s important to match your measurements with the correct size chart.
How Should Football Shoulder Pads Fit?
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Pads should sit snug without shifting during movement and offer full coverage of the shoulders and upper chest.
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Always try on shoulder pads with your helmet to ensure they work well together without restricting motion.
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Adjustable straps and laces help customize the fit for comfort and flexibility.
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Heavier pads may offer more protection but could limit speed and agility. Find the right balance for your position.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out, SCHEELS offers a wide selection of football shoulder pads for every position and skill level. If you have additional questions about prepping for the upcoming season, stop into your local SCHEELS to speak with a Football Expert.
