Hockey is a fast-paced, high-impact sport that demands the best from its players. One essential piece of equipment that every hockey player must have is the shoulder pads. But, have you ever wondered where your hockey shoulder pads should sit? It may seem like a minor detail, but getting the right fit can make all the difference in the world. In this article, we will explore the importance of proper shoulder pad placement and provide tips on how to achieve the perfect fit. So, let’s lace up our skates and hit the ice, as we dive into the world of hockey shoulder pads.
Choosing the Right Size
Understanding Sizing Charts
Body Measurements
When it comes to choosing the right size for your hockey shoulder pads, it’s important to take accurate body measurements. The following are the key areas to measure:
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
- Arms: Measure around the circumference of your arm, starting at the shoulder and ending at the wrist.
- Shoulders: Measure the width of your shoulders, starting at the top of your shoulder blades and ending at the front of your shoulders.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your waist, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
- Hip: Measure around the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape measure level and parallel to the ground.
- Neck: Measure around the circumference of your neck, starting at the base of your skull and ending at your Adam’s apple.
Other Important Factors
In addition to body measurements, there are other important factors to consider when choosing the right size for your hockey shoulder pads. These include:
- Playing position: Different positions on the ice require different levels of mobility and protection, so it’s important to choose a size that allows for optimal performance.
- Previous padding experience: If you’ve worn hockey shoulder pads before, you may have a better idea of what size works best for you.
Previous Padding Experience
If you’ve worn hockey shoulder pads before, it’s important to take into account your previous padding experience when choosing a new size. If you’ve had pads that were too small or too large, you may need to adjust your size accordingly. Additionally, if you’ve had pads that fit well, you may want to stick with a similar size in the future.
By taking these factors into account, you can ensure that you choose the right size for your hockey shoulder pads, ensuring optimal performance and protection on the ice.
Selecting the Appropriate Size
Sizing Guides
When it comes to selecting the appropriate size for your hockey shoulder pads, sizing guides can be a helpful resource. These guides are typically provided by the manufacturer and are based on a variety of factors, including your height, weight, and chest size. It’s important to keep in mind that these guides are just a starting point, and you may need to make adjustments based on your own unique body shape and playing style.
Manufacturer Sizing Charts
Manufacturer sizing charts are a great place to start when determining the right size for your hockey shoulder pads. These charts take into account a variety of factors, including your height, weight, and chest size, to provide a general guideline for what size will work best for you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that these charts are just a starting point, and you may need to make adjustments based on your own unique body shape and playing style.
Personal Measurements
Personal measurements can also be a helpful tool when determining the right size for your hockey shoulder pads. To take your own measurements, you’ll need a measuring tape and a friend to help you. Start by measuring your chest, followed by your arms and shoulders. These measurements can give you a better idea of what size will work best for you, but it’s important to keep in mind that these measurements are just a starting point, and you may need to make adjustments based on your own unique body shape and playing style.
Comparing Brands
When choosing the right size for your hockey shoulder pads, it’s important to compare different brands to find the one that fits you best. Different brands may have slightly different sizing charts, so it’s important to compare the sizes offered by each brand to find the one that works best for you. It’s also a good idea to read reviews from other players to get an idea of how well different brands fit and perform on the ice.
How to Adjust Shoulder Pads for a Perfect Fit
Adjusting Shoulder Pads for Proper Shoulder Alignment
Ensuring that your hockey shoulder pads sit right is crucial for optimizing your performance on the ice. Improperly fitted shoulder pads can hinder your movement, cause discomfort, and increase the risk of injury. To achieve the perfect fit, it is essential to adjust your shoulder pads for proper shoulder alignment. Here are the steps to correct shoulder alignment when adjusting your hockey shoulder pads:
Steps to Correct Shoulder Alignment
- Measure Your Shoulders: Take accurate measurements of your shoulders to determine the right size of shoulder pads. It is crucial to get the right size to ensure proper alignment.
- Determine Your Shoulder Tilt: Assess your shoulder tilt, which is the angle between your shoulder blades and your spine. This information will help you choose the right type of shoulder pads, such as those with an angled design or a tilted chest plate, to provide proper support and alignment.
- Position the Shoulder Pads: Place the shoulder pads on your shoulders, ensuring that the chest plate sits squarely on your chest, and the top of the shoulder pads aligns with the top of your shoulders.
- Adjust the Straps: Adjust the straps to ensure a secure fit without causing discomfort. The straps should be snug enough to keep the shoulder pads in place but not so tight that they restrict your movement.
- Check the Shoulder Alignment: Once you have adjusted the straps, check your shoulder alignment. Your shoulders should be in a neutral position, with your shoulder blades close together and your arms hanging freely by your sides. If your shoulders are not in a neutral position, adjust the shoulder pads accordingly.
Adjusting for Additional Support
After ensuring proper shoulder alignment, you may still need additional support. There are two methods to provide additional support:
Method 1: Utilizing a Bauer Supreme One.7 Shoulder Pad
The Bauer Supreme One.7 Shoulder Pad is a high-end shoulder pad designed to provide maximum support and stability. To utilize this shoulder pad for additional support, follow these steps:
- Position the Supreme One.7 Shoulder Pad: Place the shoulder pad on top of your existing shoulder pads, ensuring that it sits in the correct position.
- Adjust the Straps: Adjust the straps of the Supreme One.7 Shoulder Pad to provide additional support and keep it securely in place.
Method 2: Using a Tube for Extra Support
Another method to provide additional support is by using a tube. Follow these steps:
- Position the Tube: Place the tube around your upper back, just below the shoulder blades.
- Adjust the Straps: Adjust the straps of your shoulder pads to secure the tube in place.
- Check the Shoulder Alignment: Check your shoulder alignment after adding the tube. Your shoulders should still be in a neutral position.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your hockey shoulder pads sit right and provide the necessary support and stability for optimal performance on the ice.
Maintaining the Proper Fit
Regular Adjustments
Regular adjustments are crucial to ensure that your shoulder pads remain in the right position throughout the game. These adjustments can be categorized into pre-game, in-game, and post-game maintenance.
Pre-Game Adjustments
Before the game starts, it is important to make any necessary adjustments to your shoulder pads. This includes ensuring that the pads are properly secured to your jersey and that the shoulder caps are in the right position. Take a few minutes to practice your movements to ensure that your pads are not restricting your range of motion.
In-Game Adjustments
During the game, you may need to make adjustments to your shoulder pads if they start to shift or become uncomfortable. If you notice that your pads are slipping, pause the game for a moment and adjust them to ensure that they are sitting correctly. This will prevent any discomfort or pain during the game and will also help to prevent injuries.
Post-Game Maintenance
After the game, it is important to properly maintain your shoulder pads to ensure that they remain in good condition and continue to provide the right level of protection. This includes washing your pads and letting them air dry, as well as checking for any wear and tear that may need to be addressed. By taking care of your shoulder pads, you can ensure that they continue to fit well and provide the support you need on the ice.
Common Fitting Issues and Solutions
Issue 1: Shoulder Pads Sitting Too High
Causes
One of the most common issues that players face when it comes to their hockey shoulder pads is that they sit too high on their shoulders. This can cause discomfort and may even lead to injury if left unaddressed.
Incorrect Shoulder Pad Size
The primary cause of shoulder pads sitting too high is often an incorrect size. If the shoulder pads are too small, they will not provide enough coverage and will sit too high on the shoulder, leading to discomfort and potential injury. On the other hand, if the shoulder pads are too large, they will provide too much coverage, causing them to sit too high on the shoulder.
Improper Shoulder Alignment
Another cause of shoulder pads sitting too high is improper shoulder alignment. If the shoulder blades are not properly aligned, it can cause the shoulder pads to sit too high on the shoulders, leading to discomfort and potential injury.
Solutions
There are several solutions to address the issue of shoulder pads sitting too high.
Solution 1: Adjusting Shoulder Pad Size
The first solution is to adjust the size of the shoulder pads. If the shoulder pads are too small, it is recommended to go up a size. Conversely, if the shoulder pads are too large, it is recommended to go down a size. This will ensure that the shoulder pads provide the appropriate amount of coverage and sit at the right height on the shoulders.
Solution 2: Adjusting Shoulder Alignment
The second solution is to adjust the shoulder alignment. This can be done by ensuring that the shoulder blades are properly aligned. This will help to position the shoulder pads correctly, ensuring that they sit at the right height on the shoulders. Additionally, players can try rotating the shoulder pads slightly to find the right position that works best for them.
It is important to note that finding the right fit for hockey shoulder pads is a process that may take some time. Players should be patient and take the time to experiment with different sizes and positions until they find the perfect fit that works best for them. By doing so, they can ensure that their shoulder pads sit right, providing the appropriate amount of protection and support, and preventing any potential injuries.
Issue 2: Shoulder Pads Sitting Too Low
Shoulder pads sitting too low can be caused by a variety of factors. The primary cause is often due to an incorrect shoulder pad size, which can lead to the pads sitting too low on the shoulders. Additionally, poor shoulder alignment can also contribute to this issue.
Incorrect Shoulder Pad Size
When selecting shoulder pads, it is crucial to ensure that they are the correct size for your body. Shoulder pads that are too small will sit too low on the shoulders, causing discomfort and limiting mobility. Conversely, shoulder pads that are too large may provide insufficient protection and hinder performance.
To determine the correct shoulder pad size, measure the circumference of your upper arm, just above the elbow. This measurement will give you an idea of the appropriate size for your body. It is also important to consider the length of your upper arm, as this can affect the fit of the shoulder pads.
Poor Shoulder Alignment
In addition to the size of the shoulder pads, poor shoulder alignment can also contribute to the issue of shoulder pads sitting too low. Shoulders that are not properly aligned can cause the pads to sit in an incorrect position, leading to discomfort and reduced mobility.
To ensure proper shoulder alignment, it is essential to perform exercises that strengthen the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles help to stabilize the shoulder joint and improve alignment. Additionally, stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in the shoulder joint, which can also contribute to proper alignment.
There are several solutions to the issue of shoulder pads sitting too low. The first solution involves adjusting the shoulder pads to ensure they sit in the correct position. The second solution involves selecting the appropriate size of shoulder pads.
Solution 1
One solution to the issue of shoulder pads sitting too low is to adjust the pads to ensure they sit in the correct position. This can be done by slightly tightening the straps of the shoulder pads to lift them into place. It is important to ensure that the pads are not too tight, as this can cause discomfort and limit mobility.
Solution 2
Another solution is to select the appropriate size of shoulder pads. As mentioned earlier, measuring the circumference of your upper arm can give you an idea of the appropriate size for your body. It is also important to consider the length of your upper arm, as this can affect the fit of the shoulder pads. By selecting the correct size of shoulder pads, you can ensure that they sit in the correct position, providing adequate protection and comfort.
Issue 3: Shoulder Pads Riding Up
- Improper Shoulder Alignment
- Inadequate Pad Size
Improper shoulder alignment can cause shoulder pads to ride up, resulting in discomfort and reduced mobility. This can occur when the shoulder pads are not positioned correctly on the shoulders, causing them to move around excessively during play. Additionally, inadequate pad size can also contribute to shoulder pads riding up. If the shoulder pads are too small, they may not provide enough coverage and support, leading to discomfort and reduced protection.
Solution 1: Proper Shoulder Alignment
To ensure proper shoulder alignment, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sizing and positioning the shoulder pads. Additionally, it may be helpful to have a professional fitter or coach assess your shoulder alignment and make any necessary adjustments. This can help ensure that the shoulder pads are positioned correctly and providing adequate protection.
Solution 2: Proper Pad Size
To ensure that the shoulder pads are the right size, it is important to measure your shoulders and follow the manufacturer’s size chart. If you are between sizes, it may be best to choose the larger size to ensure adequate coverage and support. Additionally, it may be helpful to try on the shoulder pads and perform a range of movements to ensure that they provide adequate protection and do not ride up.
In conclusion, ensuring that your hockey shoulder pads sit right is crucial for providing adequate protection and reducing the risk of injury. By addressing common fitting issues such as shoulder pads riding up, you can improve your performance and enjoy the game without discomfort or pain.
Selecting the Right Type of Shoulder Pads
Factors to Consider
When selecting the right type of shoulder pads for hockey, it is important to consider several factors. These factors include protection, flexibility, durability, and comfort.
Protection
The primary function of hockey shoulder pads is to provide protection to the shoulders during games and practices. Therefore, it is essential to choose pads that offer adequate protection. Look for pads that are made from high-quality materials and have a sturdy design. Additionally, check if the pads are certified by the relevant safety standards, such as the NOCSAE standard.
Flexibility
Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires quick movements and changes in direction. Therefore, it is important to choose shoulder pads that offer the right amount of flexibility. Pads that are too stiff can restrict movement, while pads that are too flexible may not provide enough protection. Look for pads that have a balance between protection and flexibility.
Durability
Hockey is a physical sport that can be rough on equipment. Therefore, it is important to choose shoulder pads that are durable and can withstand the rigors of the game. Look for pads that are made from high-quality materials and have a sturdy design. Additionally, consider pads that have reinforced stitching and other features that can prolong the life of the pads.
Comfort
Lastly, it is important to choose shoulder pads that are comfortable to wear. Pads that are too tight or too loose can be uncomfortable and may cause discomfort during games and practices. Look for pads that have a snug fit and are made from breathable materials. Additionally, consider pads that have features such as padded shoulder blades and ventilated panels that can improve comfort.
Recommended Types of Shoulder Pads
Senior/Intermediate
Senior/Intermediate shoulder pads are designed for players who have graduated from youth-sized equipment and are no longer growing at a rapid rate. These pads are typically heavier and more rigid than youth pads, providing better protection for the chest and shoulders. They are also designed to allow for a wider range of motion, making them ideal for players who are more active on the ice.
Youth
Youth shoulder pads are designed for younger players who are still growing. These pads are typically lighter and more flexible than senior/intermediate pads, making them easier for younger players to move around in. They also have a lower chest protector, which allows for a more natural range of motion.
Goalie
Goalie shoulder pads are designed specifically for goalies. They are typically larger and more padded than other types of shoulder pads, providing extra protection for the chest and back. They also have a unique cut that allows for a wider range of motion, making it easier for goalies to make saves. In addition, goalie shoulder pads often have additional padding in the arms and gloves, which helps to block shots and absorb impact.
Tips for a Perfect Fit
Body Position
When selecting hockey shoulder pads, it’s important to consider your body position on the ice. If you play a more defensive-oriented game, you may prefer shoulder pads that provide more coverage and protection for the back and sides. On the other hand, if you’re more of an offensive player, you may prefer shoulder pads that allow for greater mobility and flexibility.
Padding Material
The padding material of your shoulder pads can also affect the fit and feel of the pads. Some pads use foam or other materials to provide padding, while others use air-filled pockets. It’s important to choose a material that provides the right level of protection and comfort for your needs.
Base Layer
A good base layer can make a big difference in the fit and feel of your shoulder pads. Choose a base layer that fits snugly and wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you dry and comfortable on the ice.
Pad Structure
The structure of your shoulder pads can also affect the fit and feel. Single-piece pads are generally more traditional and provide a more solid and protective feel, while two-piece pads are more flexible and allow for greater mobility. Consider your playing style and position when choosing between these two types of pads.
Adjusting Pad Sizes
It’s important to ensure that your shoulder pads fit properly to provide the best protection and performance. If your pads are too small, they may not provide enough protection, while pads that are too large may feel loose and uncomfortable. When trying on shoulder pads, make sure they fit snugly without being too tight or too loose.
Pad Fit and Movement
A good fit is key to ensuring that your shoulder pads move with you on the ice. Make sure that the pads are not too loose or too tight, and that they allow for full range of motion. The pads should feel comfortable and secure, without restricting your movement.
Maintenance
Proper maintenance can help extend the life of your shoulder pads and ensure that they continue to fit and perform well. Wash your pads regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and replace them as needed. It’s also a good idea to check the fit of your pads regularly to ensure that they continue to provide the right level of protection and comfort.
FAQs
1. What is the correct position for hockey shoulder pads?
Hockey shoulder pads should sit in the middle of your shoulders, with the top of the pad resting just above the collarbone. The pads should be positioned so that they cover your shoulders and part of your upper arms, providing protection and support for your entire upper body.
2. How do I know if my hockey shoulder pads are too loose or too tight?
If your hockey shoulder pads are too loose, they may shift around during play, causing discomfort and reducing their effectiveness. To check if your pads are too loose, try the “flap test.” Hold your arms out to the side and attempt to flap your arms like a bird. If the pads flap around, they are too loose. On the other hand, if your pads are too tight, they may restrict your movement and cause discomfort. A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you can still move your arms freely while wearing the pads.
3. How do I choose the right size of hockey shoulder pads?
Choosing the right size of hockey shoulder pads is crucial for proper fit and protection. Generally, hockey shoulder pads come in small, medium, and large sizes. When trying on pads, make sure they fit snugly without being too tight. The pads should cover your shoulders and upper arms without gaps or excess material. If you’re unsure about the size, it’s always a good idea to consult with a sports equipment specialist or a coach.
4. Can I wear my hockey shoulder pads too high on my shoulders?
No, wearing your hockey shoulder pads too high on your shoulders can reduce mobility and impede your ability to perform at your best. The pads should be positioned in the middle of your shoulders, with the top of the pad resting just above the collarbone. Wearing the pads too high can cause discomfort and may even lead to injury.
5. Can I adjust the straps on my hockey shoulder pads?
Yes, most hockey shoulder pads come with adjustable straps that can be tightened or loosened to achieve the perfect fit. Make sure to adjust the straps so that the pads sit securely in place without shifting around during play. If the straps are too long, you can tie them in a knot to keep them out of the way.
6. Can I wear a different type of padding under my hockey shoulder pads?
While it’s generally not recommended to wear a different type of padding under your hockey shoulder pads, some players may prefer to use a layer of protective foam or a layer of elbow pads for added comfort or protection. However, it’s important to ensure that any additional padding does not interfere with the fit or performance of your shoulder pads. It’s always a good idea to consult with a sports equipment specialist or a coach before making any modifications to your equipment.
