Are you looking to hit the ice in style and safety? Hockey elbow pads are an essential piece of equipment that can protect you from the bumps and bruises of the sport.
Knowing how to properly fit your pads is just as important as choosing the right ones.
In this professional guide, we’ll teach you how to fit hockey elbow pads, the benefits of wearing them, how to choose the right pads, and how to test their fit.
Get ready to hit the ice in comfort and safety!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
To fit hockey elbow pads, first make sure that the elbow pads are the right size for your arm.
Then, slide your arm into the elbow pad and adjust the straps so that the pad fits snugly against your arm.
Make sure that the straps are not too tight and that they do not restrict your movement.
Finally, check to make sure that the elbow pad is positioned correctly and that it covers the elbow joint adequately.
Benefits of Wearing Hockey Elbow Pads
Hockey elbow pads are an essential piece of protective equipment for any ice hockey player, and there are several benefits of wearing them.
Properly fitted elbow pads provide essential protection from falls and collisions, reduce the risk of serious injury, and help maintain freedom of movement while playing.
The pads also help to absorb the impact of sticks, skates, and other equipment, which can lessen the severity of potential injuries.
Additionally, by wearing elbow pads, you can help prevent bruising and scrapes that can occur during the game.
The most important benefit of wearing hockey elbow pads is the protection they provide from falls and collisions.
During a hockey game, players are constantly changing directions and moving quickly, which can lead to falls or collisions with other players.
With elbow pads, you can help reduce the risk of serious injury, as the pads will absorb some of the force of the impact.
In addition, the pads provide extra padding between your arms and the ice, which can help reduce the risk of scrapes and bruises.
Another benefit of wearing hockey elbow pads is the freedom of movement they provide.
With properly fitted pads, youll have the full range of motion necessary to effectively move around the ice and make plays.
The straps on the pads should be adjusted to fit snugly, but not too tight, and should not restrict your movement.
Doing a few practice movements with the pads on is a great way to make sure you have full range of motion.
Finally, hockey elbow pads can also help absorb the impact of sticks, skates, and other equipment.
This can lessen the severity of potential injuries, as the pads help to cushion the blow.
By wearing elbow pads, you can also help reduce the chance of bruising or scrapes that can occur while playing.
In conclusion, there are many benefits of wearing hockey elbow pads.
The pads provide essential protection from falls and collisions, help maintain freedom of movement, and can also absorb the impact of sticks, skates, and other equipment.
With proper fitting and practice movements, youll be ready to hit the ice with the right protective gear.
How to Choose the Right Elbow Pads
Choosing the right hockey elbow pads is essential for a safe and successful game.
The pads should be sturdy enough to provide protection, but also flexible enough to allow for full range of motion.
The type of elbow pad you choose will depend on your playing style and the level of protection you need.
For instance, if youre a beginner player, you may want to opt for a softer, more flexible pad.
If youre a more experienced player, you may want to choose a more robust elbow pad with more padding.
When choosing elbow pads, consider the size, material, and fit.
The size should be appropriate for your arm length and width.
The material should be suitable for the game youre playing for instance, if youre playing a more physical game, you may want to opt for a harder material.
Finally, the fit should be snug but comfortable.
You should be able to move your arms freely without feeling constricted.
When shopping for elbow pads, its best to try them on in the store.
This will allow you to assess the fit and feel of the pads and make sure theyre the right choice for you.
You may also want to consult with a professional or experienced hockey player for advice on which pads are best for your playing style.
Preparing to Fit Your Pads
Before you start fitting your hockey elbow pads, it is important to ensure that you have the correct size.
Elbow pads come in a range of sizes to suit different arms and body types, so it is important to measure your arm circumference to ensure you get the correct size.
To do this, wrap a measuring tape around the widest part of your arm and note the measurement.
This will give you the size you need to look for when purchasing your hockey elbow pads.
Once you have the correct size, it is time to prepare for fitting your pads.
Start by loosening the straps on both pads to make them easier to slide onto your arms.
Make sure the straps are not too loose, as you may struggle to adjust them later if they are too far away from the body.
You can also remove the pads from the straps if it makes them easier to slide on.
Next, place your arms into the pads, making sure that they are sitting correctly and securely.
Once you have your arms in the pads, you can start adjusting the straps.
Sliding Your Arms into the Pads
Sliding your arms into hockey elbow pads is the first step in making sure they fit correctly.
Begin by loosening all the straps on the pads, which will make it easier to slide your arms into the pads.
Make sure to pull the straps outwards when loosening them so the pads dont move around too much.
Once the straps are loose enough, slide your arms into the pads and adjust the straps so they fit snugly.
It is important to remember to keep your elbows bent while doing this since this will give you the most comfortable and secure fit.
Make sure the fit is snug, but not too tight that it restricts your movement.
You should also check that the pads are sitting correctly on your arms, and make any necessary adjustments.
With these steps, you’ll be ready to hit the ice with the right protective gear.
Adjusting the Straps
Once you have your hockey elbow pads on, you will need to adjust the straps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Start by loosening the straps, then slide your arm into the pad and adjust the straps so that the pad is sitting correctly on your arm.
You want the straps to be snug, but not overly tight.
If the straps are too tight, it could restrict your range of motion and be uncomfortable.
To check the fit, do a few practice movements such as swinging your arms around and extending your arms out in front of you.
This will help you get a feel for how the pads fit and if any adjustments need to be made.
Once you have determined that the pads are fitting correctly, you can cinch down the straps to ensure that the pads stay in place during play.
Testing for Range of Motion
Once you have your hockey elbow pads properly adjusted and fitted, it’s a good idea to test out the range of motion they give you.
This will ensure that you can move freely and that the pads are not restricting your ability to play.
To test your range of motion, start by doing a few practice movements such as raising your arms above your head, extending your arms out to the sides, and moving your arms in circles.
Make sure that the elbow pads are not pinching or rubbing against your skin as you move.
If they are, adjust the straps until they are comfortable.
In addition to testing your range of motion, it’s also important to check that the pads are sitting correctly on your arms.
If they are too low, they may not provide enough protection.
If they are too high, they may restrict your range of motion.
Take a few moments to adjust the straps until the pads are sitting in the right spot.
Finally, make sure that the straps are not too tight.
If they are, it can cause chafing, discomfort, and even circulation problems.
Adjust the straps until they are snug but not overly tight, and you should be good to go.
With these steps, you’ll be ready to hit the ice with the right protective gear.
Checking the Fit of the Pads
Once you have adjusted the straps of your hockey elbow pads, the next step is to check the fit.
Start by doing a few practice movements such as bending your arms and stretching them out to make sure that they fit comfortably and that you have full range of motion.
If you find that the pads are too tight, loosen the straps a bit more and adjust as needed.
For the best fit, make sure that the pads are snug, but not too tight.
You should also make sure that the pads are sitting in the correct position- that the elbow pad cup is covering your elbow joint, and that the bicep guard is covering the top of your arm.
If the pads are not sitting correctly, adjust the straps to get them into the right position.
Once you’re sure that the pads fit correctly and you have full range of motion, you’re ready to hit the ice!
Final Thoughts
By following these steps, you’ll have the perfect fit for your hockey elbow pads.
Not only will you have the protection you need, but you’ll also have the freedom of movement to perform at your best.
So, go ahead and take the time to fit your elbow pads correctly – your safety and success on the ice depend on it!