How to Use Shin Straps

Shin straps hold a shin guard securely against your shin bone to prevent injury while playing sports such as hockey and soccer. The heavy plastic guard straps to the leg and covers the bone from just below the knee to the ankle. Shin straps can have ankle guards included on the bottom; however, they are not necessary for the protection of the shin bone. Attaching the strap from the shin guard to the leg is a simple procedure that will reap large benefits if kicked in the shin during a sporting event.

Things You'll Need

  • Shin guards
  • Athletic tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose the appropriate guard for your leg because different sports require different types of shin guards. Shin guards will also have the option of including ankle support, which is a personal preference.

    • 2

      Open the shin guards and look on the interior of the guard. On one or both guards it should label the left shin and the right shin. Place the guard against your leg to verify it is the correct size -- the top of the guard should be just 1 or 2 inches below your knee and the guard should go to right at the ankle.

    • 3

      Hold the guard in place on your leg with one hand, and use the other hand to wrap the upper strap around your leg. Verify the strap is snug on your leg before moving on to the lower strap. You don't want a loose shin guard because it could slip or twist during play.

    • 4

      Wrap the lower strap around the lower leg. Some shin guards don't have two straps, only the upper strap. Shin guards that don't have a second lower strap may move during play; therefore, wrap a piece of athletic tape around the lower half of the shin guard to keep it securely in place.