How to Suit Up a Female Tackle Football Player

Football pads protect female players from unnecessary injuries while playing the game. The main problem females face when putting on football gear is that most of the equipment is designed to fit male bodies and won't properly fit on a female body, especially in the chest area. Other than a cup, females wear the same type of equipment as male players and put it on in a similar fashion.

Things You'll Need

  • Rib pads
  • Girdle
  • Thigh pads
  • Tailbone pads
  • Hip pads
  • Knee pads
  • Elbow pads
  • Football helmet
  • Mouthpiece
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Instructions

    • 1

      Visit a sports outfitter and have all your football equipment professionally measured for your specific body. This is especially for petite women who are unlikely to fit in standard football gear. If normal shoulder pads are too uncomfortable, consider using the Douglas Zena series, which is one of if not the only football gear line specifically designed for females.

    • 2

      Put on your rib pads and adjust the straps so that the pads completely protect your ribs. Keep the pads secure but also flexible enough that they don't press in and cause harm to your breasts.

    • 3

      Insert the thigh pads, tailbone pads and hip pads into the girdle's pockets.

    • 4

      Slide on your girdle, which is similar to a pair of shorts.

    • 5

      Put on a female cup to cover your groin if your school or organization requires one. Some female players choose not to wear a cup since a groin injury is less damaging for a female compared to a male.

    • 6

      Lower your shoulder pads over your head and onto your shoulders. Tighten the laces until the pads are snug.

    • 7

      Slide on your knee pads and elbow pads. These pads protect the sensitive joints for your arms and legs.

    • 8

      Put on your football helmet and tighten the chin strap until the helmet is secure but not so much that it digs into your chin. Bite down on the mouthpiece as you take the field to play.