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How to Fit Youth Football Shoulder Pads + Size Chart

Expert Advice

How to Fit Youth Football Shoulder Pads + Size Chart

Aug 18, 2023

Football shoulder pads are a simple, effective piece of equipment that provides maximum protection for the shoulder area while on the gridiron. However, equipping young players with shoulder pads that deliver the proper combination of coverage, performance and safety can be a tricky task. Here’s what you need to know about measuring your player to ensure the best fit, no matter their playing position.

The Purpose of Football Shoulder Pads

Football — even flag or touch games — can be tough on the body. Much like a helmet, knee pads and mouthguards, football shoulder pads protect you or your child against hits to the body, absorbing impact in the process. Shoulder pads not only cover shoulders, but they protect the top of the arms, rotator cuffs and sternum.

The Importance of a Proper Fit

The Importance of a Proper Fit

Properly fitted youth football shoulder pads guard against injury while allowing freedom of movement for any player as they make their way down the field.

Basic Parts of Football Shoulder Pads

  • The Arch: Covers and protects the shoulder, chest and player’s back. Also provides support for the flaps and the cap.
  • The Cap: Covers and protects the shoulder joint. Hangs down over the shoulder for extra protection. Make sure the cap covers the joint at all times to reduce the chance of shoulder separation.
  • The Flap or Epaulet: Located at the top of the cap, flaps are designed to absorb or disperse part of the energy created upon impact.
  • The Belt and Buckles: Come in a wide variety of styles, from T-hooks to belt straps. Wrap around the body to secure the pads and provide a customized fit.
  • The Main Body Cushion: The central internal padding under the shell that covers the chest to provide protection.
  • The Neck: An opening in the pads that fits over the head and is usually lined with comfortable padding or fabric.
  • The Rivets: Attach the plastic shell to the cushions and inner padding. Keeps all of the shoulder pad’s pieces and parts in their proper position.

How to Measure for Football Shoulder Pads

How to Measure for Football Shoulder Pads

  • Measure the chest size. Using a cloth tape measure, wrap around the thickest part of the chest.
  • Measure shoulder width. Measure from outside shoulder tip to outside shoulder tip.
  • Determine weight. Youth shoulder pads are often sized by weight, but keep in mind that everyone carries their weight differently and a snug fit is more important than just going by the weight.

Adult & Youth Football Shoulder Pad Size Chart

Size Player Weight Shoulder Width Chest Size
XX Small 60-75 pounds 10″ – 11″ 24″ – 26″
X Small 75-90 pounds 11″ – 12″ 26″ – 28″
Small 90-105 pounds 12"- 13" 28″ – 30″
Medium 105-120 pounds 13″ – 14″ 30″ – 32″
Large 120-135 pounds 14″ – 15″ 32″ – 34″
X Large 135-150 pounds 15″ – 16″ 34″ – 36″
XX Large 150-and up 16″ – 17″ 36 – 38″

Different Pads by Position

Not all football shoulder pads are created equal. A quarterback, for instance, needs an unrestricted range of motion, while a lineman requires heavier padding with even more protection. Here are the type of pads needed for each position:

  • Quarterback and Wide Receiver: Lightweight, flexible and designed for mobility, agility and range of motion.
  • Running Back and Defensive Back: Similar to QB and WR, but provides stronger padding and cushioning for more protection needed to absorb big impacts.
  • Fullback and Linebacker: Delivers serious protection without hindering movement or speed. Much more secure fit with plated front connections and vinyl buckles.
  • The Belt and Buckles: Come in a wide variety of styles, from T-hooks to belt straps. Wrap around the body to secure the pads and provide a customized fit.
  • Linemen: Heaviest and most durable. Ideal for the trenches and provides ample mobility and protection from devastating hits.

Trying on Youth Football Shoulder Pads

The best way to purchase the right protection is to have your child try them on to get a better sense of how they fit and how they feel. When shopping for pads, you’ll want to do the following:

  • Loosen lacing along the front of the shoulder pads. Disconnect the straps that go under the arms.
  • Pull pads apart so they slide easily over the head, and put them on.
  • Tighten lacing along the front of shoulder pads and attach all straps. Check for a tight yet comfortable fit..
  • Check the caps of the shoulder pads to ensure they cover the shoulder joint area. Caps should hang down at least a few inches over the upper arm
  • Check the neck opening for comfort. It should be secure but not tight enough to pinch or loose enough to expose the collarbone.

Enhancing Your Football Pads

Enhancing Your Football Pads

Want to add even more protection against gridiron injuries?

  • Back plates provide extra protection to the lower back, kidneys and spine. They most easily attach to the lower part on the back of shoulder pads.
  • Neck rolls help prevent whiplash, stingers and other spine-related injuries. They connect to the neck areas of the shoulder pads and can be tied down or screwed directly into the shell.
  • Rib guards protect the rib cage from breaks and bruises. Also known as a flak jacket.

Before your flag footballer or your college player takes to the gridiron, make sure they have a full suite of protective gear and apparel — from cleats to helmets — for the season. Shop online, or stop into a Hibbett | City Gear location to get fitted for the right shoulder pads.

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