Volleyball knee pads are a necessary piece of equipment for any player who wants to stay safe on the court. However, there is more to wearing them than just putting them on your knees. In order to get the most protection from your pads, you need to make sure they are properly fitted and adjusted. Here is our guide on how to wear volleyball knee pads so that you can stay safe while playing.
Wear the right size
volleyball knee pads should be tight enough to stay in place but not so tight that they cut off circulation. If you have a set of knee pads that do not fit correctly, return them and get a proper pair.
Adjust the straps: the best way to properly adjust your volleyball knee pads is with two people. Have one person pull down on the strap until it is firmly but comfortably against your leg while another holds the pad in place. Pull up on this strap so that it sits right below your kneecap where it provides optimal protection. Make sure both sides are adjusted equally so that they protect both legs from injury.
Fit around your kneecaps: there should be some space between the top edge of your kneepads and your knee joint. There should also be some space between the bottom edge of your kneepads and your shin. If there is no space between any of these parts, your kneecaps may not be protected when you land on the court.
Put them on correctly: kneecaps are at the top of your leg, so slide them up from behind your knee and secure them around your kneecap. Then slide your pads up until they fit snugly around the top of your knee and secure the straps, you’re done!
Choose a style: traditional volleyball knee pads have one strap over the thigh and another around the calf while padded ones have two straps with Velcro fasteners for easy adjustment. Prepare for a scrimmage or a tough training session by wearing kneepad with stretchable neoprene that comfortably follows the shape of your legs.
In case you have to put on your knee pads alone, sit down and stick one leg out in front of you. Pull the pad over your foot and up your leg as far as it will go. Now stand up and make sure the pad is at the right height. Then slide one hand under your leg to keep it in place while you secure the straps with your other hand.
Wear appropriate clothing: wear shorts or pants that cover your knees when you’re wearing volleyball knee pads; avoid skirts, dresses, and other garments that might get caught on or pulled by these protective accessories. Also, it’s a good idea to make sure your knee pads are color-coordinated with the rest of your team gear.
Consider comfort first: order sets of different sizes until you find what works best for you or have your pads custom-fitted. You can get thicker or thinner padding for knee pads depending on what you prefer. If they are too big, they will move while you’re playing and may not properly protect your joints. However, if they are too small, there is a greater risk of them slipping off or hurting you while you play.
If you are looking for a set of knee pads that are both comfortable and protective, look for ones made out of neoprene. These will conform to the shape of your legs without being too tight or restricting your movement. Volleyball knee pads can vary in style depending on their intended use. For example, players who frequently dive across the court prefer kneepads with a sleeve-like fit because it reduces the risk of slipping on the court.
If you are looking to train hard, consider buying knee pads that cushion your joints without restricting movement. These types of knee pads are usually made out of thicker foam and absorb less impact than neoprene models. If you’re just starting to play volleyball, it’s a good idea to wear kneepads with a sleeve-like fit because they are more supportive and will reduce the risk of injury.
Plastic caps can be added to knee pads for players who want extra protection from surfaces that may scuff or scratch their joints. These caps attach directly to your kneecap and protect you from bumps and scrapes.
Follow care instructions carefully:
- when not in use, store your knee pads in a dry place to make sure they last longer.
- when washing your kneepads, hand wash them with mild soap and cold water; air-dry them away from heat or direct sunlight.
- try to avoid getting dirt on or around your kneepads because this can clog the pores and decrease their ability to properly filter out sweat.
- kneepads should be replaced every two years if they are worn frequently, but only once a year if they are not used very much.
- make sure your knee pads fit you well with proper padding in just the right places before each practice or game.
