Installation Instructions for a Shoulder Pad Extension

Typical shoulder pads worn by football players protect the collarbone (also known as the clavicle), neck and shoulder bones and muscles. Players in the tackle and guard positions often choose to add additional padding, called shoulder pad extensions. These extensions are one-piece units that provide added protection against whiplash and lateral movement of the shoulders. The extensions fit across the back of the shoulders with added support near the collar. Following the installation instructions for a shoulder pad extension makes attaching the padding a quick job.

Things You'll Need

  • Shoulder pad system
  • Tape measure
  • Shoulder pad extension (with attaching hardware)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put on the shoulder pads, and connect all the holding straps. Check that the fit is correct and that the pads do not move out of place when you raise your arms. Make sure that the elastic securing the straps under your arms is secure. Check the underarm straps by pushing two fingers (together) between the strap and your body, it should be a tight fit. Tighten the straps as needed.

    • 2

      Measure across the back of the pads from the center of the outside edge of the shoulder epaulets (the padding that protects the deltoid muscles as they extend onto the arm; it is attached to the protection that sits on top of the shoulders). Measure the shoulder pad extension from end to end. The two measurements should match, if they do not, the shoulder pad extension is not the correct fit. Return it and select another size.

    • 3

      Remove the shoulder pads. Disconnect the ends of all the straps, and take the pads off. Do not pull the strap length loose while both ends are connected to the pads. Instead, slide the pads off; otherwise, the pads will have to be refitted the next time they are worn.

    • 4

      Lay the shoulder pads on a work surface so the back of the pad (with the collar roll) is facing up.

    • 5

      Place the shoulder pad extension across the back of the shoulder pads so that the collar padding in the center of the extension piece matches the collar padding of the shoulder pads, and the attachment holes in both are aligned. Some pads and extensions will not have holes for T-style attaching hardware, they will use velcro tabs. Make sure the velcro tabs are aligned.

    • 6

      Connect the two sets of padding together. For T-style attaching hardware, push the loop on the bottom of the plastic "T" through the hole in the shoulder extension and through the matching hole in the shoulder pads (toward the inside of the pad). Pull the "T" through the loop to secure it. For velcro tab attachments, make sure that both tabs align and press them together. Make sure that all points of attachment are secure and none have been missed. Do not neglect to attach the end points of the shoulder pad extension to the outside center point of the epaulet, this connection is what will help prevent lateral movement of the shoulders during a tackle.