How to Strap Shoulder Pads
To strap shoulder pads, you connect the back of the pads to the front using elastic straps or belts, aiming for a tight fit in the chest and upper back areas that is on the verge of being uncomfortable.
Properly strapping shoulder pads is crucial for safety and performance in sports like football. It ensures the pads stay in place, providing maximum protection while allowing for necessary movement. Based on fitting guidelines, the method involves securing the two main sections of the pad system.
Key Steps for Strapping Shoulder Pads
The primary method involves using the integrated strapping system that comes with the pads.
- Connect Front to Back: The strapping system is designed to link the back portion of the shoulder pads to the front section.
- Locate the straps or belts attached to the back of the pads.
- Thread or connect these straps to the corresponding points on the front of the pads.
- Tighten the Straps: The goal is to secure the pads firmly to the body.
- Pull the straps or belts tightly.
- The objective is to achieve a snug fit around the chest and upper back.
- Assess the Fit: The fit should be tight and on the verge of being uncomfortable. This snugness helps prevent the pads from shifting during impact or movement.
- Ensure there is no excessive slack.
- The pads should feel like a secure part of your upper body, not something loose that could slide around.
Components Used for Strapping
Shoulder pads typically use one of the following to secure the front and back sections:
- Elastic Straps: Common for their flexibility and ability to provide a snug, conforming fit.
- Belts: Often made of durable material, providing a strong, adjustable connection.
Both types serve the same purpose: pulling the front and back pad sections together firmly.
Why a Tight Fit is Essential
- Maximum Protection: A tight fit ensures the protective padding stays aligned with vulnerable areas like the shoulders, collarbone, and sternum.
- Reduced Movement: Loose pads can slide, reducing their effectiveness and potentially causing chafing.
- Improved Mobility: Counterintuitively, a well-fitted, tight pad allows for better range of motion than a loose, shifting pad. The pads move with the body.
Checking the Straps and Fit
After strapping, perform a simple check:
- Try moving your arms through their full range of motion as you would during gameplay.
- Ensure the pads don't restrict essential movements excessively.
- Confirm the pads remain centered and don't lift significantly off your shoulders or chest.
Remember, the goal is a balance – tight enough for protection and stability, but still allowing necessary athletic movements. The reference highlights the ideal fit as being "on the verge of being uncomfortable," indicating just how snug they should be.
