Shin guards are the only protection in soccer.They protect you from kicks, hard shots and fouls.You want to look for a large protection area when buying them.
Step 1: Attach ankle protection to shin guards for players under the age of 12.
There are two basic types of shin guards.ankle straps are attached to the foot and provide ankle protection.The other type slides under your socks and protects your shins.The ankle support is important for players under 12.Some hybrid guards come down to cover the ankle but don't wrap around it.They need a very precise fit and tend to be more expensive.
Step 2: Older players should consider slide-in shin guards.
The ankle-guards can limit your foot's range of motion as players grow more serious about soccer.You simply push under the socks when you switch to slide-ins.They don't cover your feet.The added speed is essential for higher levels of competition.
Step 3: The shin guards you use are based on your height.
Just because you wear a large jersey doesn't mean you need a big guard.For the most part, let your height be your guide.
Step 4: The guard needs to protect a few inches under the knee.
The guide above is the best for the majority of players.Before your ankle bends, you want the guard to cover from below the knee to the right.
Step 5: You want a guard that will fit to the width of your leg.
Professional players have custom-molded shin guards.The basic idea is that you want snug, complete protection around your shins.The shinguard should cover the entire width of your leg when you look from the front.Shin guards can be bent lightly with your fingers.This can cause them to weaken, so don't yank on them.
Step 6: Try on shin guards with socks.
To see what feels comfortable is the best way to buy guards.Bring a pair of long soccer socks with you to the store.If you can, walk around and see if the guards stay in place.The majority of your leg should be covered by them.
Step 7: As a defender, get a bigger shinguard.
You get a lot more action when you're back protecting the box, from hard shots to attacking players.Defenders prefer something with more protection than a strikers.It's not a bad idea to use ankle guards for youth defenders.
Step 8: Lighter guards and faster guards are what you should look for.
You want something small that doesn't limit your mobility when sprinting at the goal.In order to protect against tackling defenders, forwards and strikers sometimes opt for ankle protection, like shin guards.
Step 9: As a goalie, get guards that are light and minimal protection.
The last thing you want to do is worry about your guards.Keepers tend to get the smallest guards they can get away with since they're less needed in the box.
Step 10: The best shin guards are plastic and carbon fiber.
These are two of the most common shin guard materials.One may be better than the other depending on your needs as a player.Plastic is more budget-friendly than carbon fiber for less serious players.The cross-hatching pattern of carbon fiber looks like a tightly woven basket.
Step 11: Keep shin guards in place with a sleeve or straps.
A player doesn't want to constantly look down and adjust their shin guards.If you're wearing slide-ins, you may want a sleeve that slides under your socks.The shin guard can be slid into the sleeve.Some players prefer simple Velcro straps, which can go above or underneath their socks.It is possible to keep the shin guard and socks in place in a pinch.
Step 12: Purchase guards if you are playing on a soccer team.
All US high school shin guards must be approved by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment.This is not applicable for high-school aged players on other teams.There should be a seal on the shin guard.The guards will be labeled on the packaging.No stamp, no approval.