How to Keep Kneepads on During Volleyball

According to the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, some estimates suggest that a minimum of half the injuries children receive from sports could be prevented by attention to issues such as proper use of safety equipment, including knee pads. During sports such as volleyball, keeping knee pads in place can be difficult because of all the jumping, bending and running. Correct fitting of the pads is important, and other techniques can help pads stay in place to protect the knee.

Things You'll Need

  • Cloth tape measure
  • Athletic tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase knee pads that fit properly. To determine the correct size, bend your knee slightly and wrap a tape measure around the area just above the kneecap. Find the size that corresponds to the number of inches indicated on the tape. For example, for one brand name, a measurement of 13 to 15 1/4 inches equates to a medium size knee pad.

    • 2

      Adjust the size you need based upon how the pads fit. They should hug the knee tightly but comfortably. If the pad is too big, it will slip down off the knee. If the pad is too small, it is more likely the hook and loop fastener will fail and the pad will fall off.

    • 3

      Tape the pads in place if you have the most appropriate size but still have problems with them slipping. Sit down and put your legs out in front of you, slightly bent. Wrap athletic tape several times around the bottom of the knee pad and again a couple inches higher. Like the pad itself, the tape should feel snug on the leg but not so tight that it cuts off circulation and should be placed to allow flexibility of the knee.