The Purpose of Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads are indispensable items for football players, but they are also required equipment for lacrosse and ice hockey. Although the design of hockey and lacrosse pads are similar, they are somewhat different from those used in football. Regardless of the sport, shoulder pads serve the same basic purpose.

  1. Shock Absorber

    • Primarily, the shoulder pad acts as a shock absorber for direct contact to the shoulder area. In football, as well as lacrosse and ice hockey, using the shoulder to hit the opposing player is a vital part of the game. To soften the constant pounding that can occur during the course of a game, pads are use to protect the shoulder, lower neck and collarbone area.

    Defensive Aspect

    • Shoulder pads often come with protective padding that cover the ribs and back area, along with the shoulders and collarbone. This kind of protection is needed because it is inevitable that during the course of a game a player will be hit just as often as he initiates the body contact. This kind of protection is especially important in hockey and lacrosse, where players are allowed to carry wooden sticks.

    Air Conditioning

    • Researchers from the University of Florida Research Foundation have developed a shoulder pad that produces a cool air flow across the back and chest area. One of the great physical dangers of these sports, besides injury from contact, is heat stroke. The air flow pads help keep players' body temperatures at a safe level.