How to Properly Fit Football Shoulder Pads

Proper fitting shoulder pads are essential to athlete protection and performance in football. Whether taking a hit or delivering one of your own, shoulder pads make all the difference in a game of inches. When shoulder pads fit properly, they should feel snug and protective, while at the same time allowing full range of motion for maximum comfort and mobility on the field. With modern shoulder pads often available in position-specific styles, achieving the perfect fit for your position and playing style is imperative to compete at a high level. Below, we will explain how to properly fit football shoulder pads to achieve max comfort and protection on the field.

How Do Shoulder Pads Work?

Shoulder pads protect players by absorbing some of the impact energy through deformation of the exterior shell, while at the same time distributing the energy through a larger area so there is less pressure at the point of impact. Shoulder pad weight, and level of protection, often varies by position group. Linemen often opt for styles that benefit their technical responsibilities, like getting their hands on a linebacker or kick-stepping to pass block a defender. On the other hand, skill players usually go for a more flexible, versatile style of padding allowing them to move swiftly and dominate from sideline to sideline.

See Xenith's shoulder pad fitting tips below to make sure you have the proper fit to excel on the field:

How to Properly Fit Xenith Shoulder Pads

All Xenith Shoulder Pads are purpose-built for a lightweight, low profile fit, allowingfull range of motion to high-point the ball in the end zone or chase down the ball carrier from sideline to sideline. In order to ensure the perfect fit, it’s important to know how to accurately measure an athlete for their shoulder pads.

Using a measuring tape, measure the width of a player’s back from the edge of the left shoulder to the edge of the right shoulder, as shown in the graphic below. Make sure the measuring tape is as flat to the back as possible. Then consult the sizing chart below: 

Youth

Adult 

When you receive your online order of Xenith Shoulder Pads, or have the opportunity to try them on for yourself at a Dick’s Sporting Goods near you, there are a few steps to ensure proper fit and maximum protection.

First Steps:

1. Pull the pads over your head so they rest on top of your shoulders.

2. Tighten both belt straps. These should feel snug and secure but should not be painful in any areas. 

Next:

There are THREE main fit tips for fitting football shoulder pads:

1. Hinge of shoulder caps should align with the AC joint (directly above underarm).

2. Front arch should fully cover sternum and front of the shoulders.

3. Rear arch should fully cover scapula without limiting range of motion in the arms. 

The Entire lineup of Xenith Shoulder Pad feature a range of benefits for both youth and adult players:

Unrestricted Movement

The low-profile shoulder and sternum plates allow for complete range of motion. 

Lightweight build 

Injection molded plates provide the protection athletes need without sacrificing speed and agility. 

Flexible Padding 

Strategically placed pads allow for unrestricted movement on the field 

Low-Profile Silhouette

Double shoulder caps made of high impact foam provide increased protection and contour to the body for a sleek look.

Recap

Clearly, finding a proper fit is crucial to athlete protection and performance on the field. Make sure you follow these tips to ensure a proper fit to help keep you on the field throughout a long football season.  

Check out our full lineup of shoulder pads here to gear up for the season: https://www.xenith.com/pages/shoulder-pads