How to Wear Goalie Pads

Hockey goalies are incredible athletes who have to be at the top of their game at all times. Because of how dangerous playing goalie in hockey is, goalies must wear the right pads and protection to keep them safe from the hockey puck, which is constantly being shot at them. Hockey pads are big and bulky, but most goalies have their own way of adjusting and wearing them so they are comfortable and functional. Here are some ideas on how to wear goalie pads.

Instructions

    • 1

      Try your pads on with your hockey pants before you buy them. Try moving around in them, and practice your stance while wearing them before you purchase so you know how they move.

    • 2

      Lay the pads down on the floor, and kneel down on them. Make sure your knee is in the knee pad and your foot is flush with the bottom of the pad.

    • 3

      Tighten the thigh straps first, and then stand up to tighten the lower straps, or have a volunteer help you.

    • 4

      Firmly tighten all straps if you prefer them to fit snugly. A snug fit works wellfor those who want more mobility and like to play stand-up-style goalie.

    • 5

      Tighten only the bottom straps, and leave the top straps loose enough to insert three or four fingers, if you are a butterfly goalie.

    • 6

      Choose shin guards or knee pads to place underneath the goalie pads to stop the straps from digging into your legs.

    • 7

      Practice wearing your goalie pads to find a way of tightening that works best for you. Each goalie has his own personal preferences.