Shin guards are an essential piece of equipment for footballers. They are worn to protect the shins from injury, which can be caused by a variety of things, especially kicks from other players. In the above image, it is the Adidas Unisex-Adult X Match Shin Pads which are considered to be one of the best shin pads. Due to their asymmetrical form, they offer the best possible protection. Additionally, it sports a front single-strap fastening with an integrated ankle guard for added security.
Shin guards are made of a hard material, such as plastic or carbon fibre, and they are typically covered by a sock. They are worn under the socks, and they should fit snugly but not too tightly.
Shin pads or shin guards first came into cricket but then were introduced in football in the 1800s. It was only in 1990 that FIFA made it compulsory for players to wear shin guards.
How do shin guards help?
Shin guards help to protect the shins from injury by absorbing the force of impact. When a player is kicked or falls, the shin guard helps spread the force of the impact over a larger area, reducing the amount of force applied to the bone. This can help to prevent fractures, bruises, and other injuries.
In addition to protecting the shins from injury, shin guards can also help to improve performance. When players know their shins are protected, they are less likely to be inhibited from making tackles or running at full speed. This can lead to improved performance and a reduced risk of injury.
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Do players want to wear shin guards?
Shin guards are a mandatory piece of equipment for footballers, but do they actually want to wear them? While opinions may vary among individual players, the majority understand the importance of shin guards and willingly wear them.
Still, there are many players who will try to wear the smallest shin guards possible. For example, popular English and Manchester City footballer, Jack Grealish makes a point to wear the smallest shin pads. His shinpad size apparently is between a large child size and a small adult size.
Why does Jack Grealish wear these small-size shin pads?
Grealish wears small-sized socks too even though he earlier had normal socks. He revealed the reason behind wearing small socks. Grealish said, “Obviously your socks are supposed to go above your calves, But one year when I was here, the socks once shrunk in the wash. So they wouldn’t go higher. That season, I ended up playing really well. So it became a superstitious thing for me. I thought I’m going to keep doing this because I’ve done well.”
As for the size of his shinpads, there is another superstition attached. The recent treble-winning player said, “It’s a superstition that I’ve done all my life and I’m going to keep it that way, A few referees have tried telling me but I’ve got to keep it like that.”
Conclusion
Shin guards are an essential piece of equipment for footballers due to the physical nature of the sport and the potential risks associated with it. They provide protection to the shinbone, absorbing and distributing the force of impact. By minimizing the risk of fractures, contusions, and cuts, shin guards allow players to perform at their best while feeling secure on the field. Furthermore, shin guards offer psychological reassurance, boosting a player’s confidence to take on challenges and contribute to their team’s success. So the next time you watch a football match, take a moment to appreciate the shin guards worn by the players, knowing that they are an integral part of their safety and performance.
Also Read: How has the role of fullbacks changed over the years?
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