How to Wrap the Goalie Pads & Toe Ties

Modern goalie pads provide plenty of protection, but they can be difficult to put on due to the large number of straps and buckles. Depending on the brand, today's goalie pads can have as many as six different straps and tie-on points. Although there are many different brands of goalie pads, they all function the same and use the same procedures when you're putting them on for practice or a game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lace up your skates tightly. You want your skates as tight as comfortably possible, as they are one of the tying points of the pads.

    • 2

      Lay the pads on the floor face down so the leg and knee holes are facing you. Undo all of the straps and lay them out to the side. You want the straps to the side so when you kneel into your pads you won't have to struggle to find them and they won't be caught under your leg.

    • 3

      Pull the toeholds towards your skates as you're sitting on a bench. Take the laces for the toe ties one at a time and begin the tying process. Criss-cross the strings through the hole in the front of your skate, do it again through the hole in the middle of your skate. Tie the knot on the back of your skate blade where a notch in the plastic should be to hold it tight. You must keep the tension on the front of your skate tight for the entire time.

    • 4

      Kneel down into your pads and begin securing the straps around the back of your calves and thighs. There should be about two fingers' worth of slack when tightening the pad against your leg. This allows for movement and speed when playing goal.