How to Wear Hockey Gear

Here's most of the equipment you'll need

Planning to play some hockey? This article will tell you everything you need to know about basic hockey equipment, with step-by-step instructions on how to put it on. If you're going to play in an organized league, check to see whether it has any special requirements.

Things You'll Need

• skates shin guards hockey socks hockey tape hockey pants jock strap shorts shoulder pads elbow pads gloves helmet jersey stick

Instructions

1. Start with your lower body. Put on your jock strap shorts and adjust them so they are comfortable.

2. Strap on your shin guards pull your hockey socks up over them. Attach the tops of your hockey socks to your shorts, and tape over each sock tightly to keep it from falling down.

3. Pull your hockey pants over your shin pads and jock strap so that the belt is at your waist. Pull the belt tight enough to secure it.

4. Put on your skates and tie them. Start by tightening the laces near the toe and work your way up. The skate should be tight enough to give you plenty of ankle support but should not be uncomfortable.

5. Pull the shoulder pads over your head (making sure they're facing forward) and slide your arms through the straps on each arm. Tighten the side straps around your rib cage.

6. Elbow pads are usually marked left and right. Slide each one up your arm until it is at your elbow. Then tighten the straps so that the elbow pad is snug.

7. Pull on your jersey.

8. Put on your helmet and snap the straps onto the sides of the helmet. Adjust the straps if the helmet is loose. Most helmets have screws on the front that can be loosened to adjust the size. The helmet should fit firmly.

9. Now put on your gloves, grab your stick and you're ready to go!

Tips & Warnings

• Hockey equipment varies in quality a great deal, and if you don't know what you're doing you can easily wind up buying equipment that won't protect you. Your best bet is to go to an established hockey shop, (ideally one that sells used equipment), and ask the people who work there for advice. Tell them you're a beginner and they'll likely be able to sell you good, used equipment for a good price. If you go to a general sporting goods store, you're likely to find bargain-priced new equipment that is of low quality.

References

• Planet Hockey