How to Choose Shin Guards for Ice Hockey

Shin guards are a necessity for a hockey player's protection.

Shin guards are one of the most important pieces of protective equipment for a hockey player. Many players will get slashed, block a shot or fall on their knees, and the shin guards will take the brunt of the damage to protect the player's legs. It's very important that the shin guards be measured properly to ensure they are not too long or too short, either of which can cause problems for the hockey player.

Instructions

1. Sit in a chair with your knees bent at a 90 degree-angle and place your feet flat on the floor. This will give you the most natural position for your leg and enable someone to measure the length of your leg properly. Shin guards are sold according to shin length, so the shin guards are also measured in inches.

2. Measure your leg from the center of the kneecap to the ankle (or the top of your skate's boot) to find the length of the shin. Make sure you do not measure all the way to the top of your foot or the shin guard will be too long.

3. Find several styles of shin guard in your size to try on. Most forwards prefer a shin guard with minimal padding on the back of the calf to allow for maximum mobilization. Many defensemen prefer a shin guard with full wraparound padding to protect the backs of their legs from slashes and blocked shots.

4. Try on several types of shin guards. Make sure your knee fits in the cradle of the shin guard, and that the lower part of the guard does not cut into your ankle or foot. It is the skater's preference as to whether or not he puts the shin guard over the tongue of the skate or inside, however this could determine whether or not the player should get a longer or shorter shin guard.

5. Decide on a style and make sure it suits your level of play. If you play in an adult league, it is best to get a senior-size shin guard, as it is made to withstand harder hits and shots.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't buy junior-sized equipment if you play in an adult league. Generally, junior equipment is not made to take the impact of adult weight shots and hits, and you are more likely to get injured.

Resources

• Shin guard size chart