How to Wear a Shin Guard? [Complete Guide]

1. How to Wear a Shin Guard? [Complete Guide] We all know that feeling, right? That moment of hesitation right before throwing a kick – wondering if you will end up with a painful shin injury. But fret not, because we’ve got your back (or should I say shins?) with the ultimate guide on how to wear a shin guard.

2. Why Do You Need to Wear Shin Guards? Ready to hit the MMA ring with all you’ve got? Before you exhibit MMA or Muay Thai Skills, remember one thing: protect your shins! Shin guards are your best buddies for foot safety, top-notch performance, and learning new techniques. You might be wondering why do you need to wear shin guards, really? Foot Protection Ouch! One strong kick from your opponent could leave you nursing painful injuries. Shin guards are your foot’s shields that absorb impact, prevent contusions and protect your foot from fractures. Research shows that fighters with shin guards have fewer shin injuries. (Source) Shin Splints Shin guards support your leg and evenly distribute impact force to reduce painful shin splints. Shin Splints or “Spike Soreness” in athletes occur due to excessive impact on hard surfaces. (source) This more time training in the ring and less time tending to your injuries!

3. Muay Thai Kicking: Target Zone and Strike Zone Alright, let’s talk kicking techniques! When it comes to delivering those powerful kicks, there are two main zones to focus on – the target zone and the strike zone. Target Zone – Zeroing in on Your Opponent’s Thigh: Imagine your opponent’s thigh as your bullseye! That’s your target zone. For a killer kick, aim for both the inside and outside of their thigh. Hit that spot, and you’ll have them wincing in no time! Strike Zone – Unleashing the Shin Strike: Now, let’s talk about the strike zone – it’s all about your shin! The sweet spot for landing devastating kicks is the mid to lower part of your shin, right above the ankle. Trust me, that’s where the magic happens!

4. When you’re training in Muay Thai, shin guards are your trusty sidekicks! They’re like your superhero armour, protecting your shin, foot, and ankle from potential injuries. See, we want you to kick with confidence, knowing you’re safe and ready to take on anything! During training, accidents can happen, and you might end up landing a kick with your foot instead of your shin. That’s where shin guards come in handy, preventing those nasty foot-related mishaps. Shin Guards – Your Armor Against Foot Injuries:

5. Here Is How Your Body’s Anatomy Works During MMA and Muay Thai Training In order to understand which areas of your leg and foot are most vulnerable to kicks and injuries, let’s get take a look at your leg’s anatomy and see how each part plays its role during MMA and Muay Thai: Lower Leg Anatomy Shin: This is the front part of your lower leg, and plays an important role during offence and defence. When you deliver those powerful shin kicks (also known as shinbone kicks) or use your shin to block kicks, this tough and resilient shin bone takes the brunt. Calf: The calf muscles in your lower leg are like coiled springs ready to power up! They generate power during kicks and support quick footwork so you can nail those lightning-fast moves in the ring.

6. A Look Inside the Shin Guard Design Shell: The outer hard layer of the shin guard, usually made from durable materials like plastic or fibreglass. It serves as the primary shield to absorb impact and protect the shin from direct blows Padding: The inner layer of the shin guard, often made from foam or gel materials. The padding helps cushion the impact and reduces the force transmitted to the shin during kicks or blocks. Straps or Closure System: Shin guards come with straps or a closure system to keep them securely in place during training or matches. Common closure options include Velcro straps or elastic bands.

7. How to Clean and Store Shin Guard for Long-Term Use Hygiene is crucial in and out of the ring. Regular maintenance keeps your shin guards fresh and germ-free. Here is what we recommend: After training, use a damp cloth to wipe off sweat and dirt from the shin guards. Tossing shin guards in the washer or dryer is a big no-no! Use mild soap and a soft brush to scrub gently and deep-clean the shin guards. Rinse well and let them air dry. Easy peasy! Use a shin guard bag or wrap them in a soft cloth for safe storage. Let shin guards air dry completely before putting them away. That’s it! Simple steps to keep your shin guards in mint condition.

8. Tips to Enhance Performance Wearing Shin Guards Make Shin Guards Your Training Staple and wear them during kicking drills to get comfortable with their feel and movement. Condition Your Shins by performing exercises like shin kicks using shin pads or heavy bags to toughen up your shins and improve impact absorption. Pair Shin Guards with Protective Gear like gloves, mouthguards, and headgear for all-around protection. Gradually Increase Intensity: Start slow and build up your combat techniques as you feel more confident wearing shin guards.

9. What are the Different Types of Shin Guard Closures? There are three main types of Shin guards closure, Slip-On Shin Guards [Basic] These are the simplest and most basic type. As the name suggests, you slip them on like socks. They’re lightweight and easy to put on, making them ideal for beginners or casual players. Velcro Closure Shin Guards [Custom Fit] These shin guards come with adjustable Velcro straps, allowing you to customize the fit. They offer a more secure and snug feel compared to slip-on guards. They’re great for intermediate players or those looking for a bit more support.

10. The Bottomline Shin guards are your ultimate allies in the ring. Throughout this guide, we’ve emphasized the importance of shin guards and shared useful tips on how to wear a shin guard properly to avoid discomfort. Remember three golden rules to wear a shin guard properly: find the right fit, choose quality materials, and pair them with other protective gear for overall safety. Proper shin guard fitting will boost your confidence and elevate your performance in the ring. With the right gear, you can focus on honing your fighting skills and delivering powerful strikes without worry. Related Reads, 7 Essential Boxing Guard Types for Beginners: Ultimate Guide Complete Guide To Choosing a Mouthguard for Boxing A Definitive Guide to Wrapping Hands for Boxing