Ever watched a football game and noticed the hard shell protecting a player’s back? That’s a backplate! These pieces of gear are super important for keeping players safe on the field. But choosing the right one can feel like a real headache. Should it be hard plastic or something softer? How does it even attach to the shoulder pads? It’s easy to get confused with all the different styles and features out there.
Picking the wrong backplate might not give you the protection you need when you take a big hit. You want something that stays put and doesn’t slow you down. This post is here to clear up all the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great football backplate. You will learn about the best materials, the easiest ways to attach them, and how to find the perfect fit for your game.
Keep reading to become a backplate pro. We’ll give you the insider tips so you can choose gear that offers maximum protection without sacrificing comfort. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about finding your ultimate football backplate!
Top Backplates For Football Recommendations
- This backplate is a small-sized, children's backplate with dimensions of 9.4 inches by 5.5 inches.
- Curved design: The curved design of the back protector provides good coverage and protection for maximum protection in both adult and teen sizes without limiting your speed in the race
- Comfort: The football rear plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, designed to absorb shock, as well as comfort, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- Advanced Pattern: Football Back Plate with its stylish appearance, printed in various saturated colors and high gloss surfaces, it provides players with more choices to motivate themselves
- Material: The back of the football is made of PA, polymer sponge, and the outer guard board is made of PVC for comfort and durability, and the combination of hard shell and contoured foam enhances the style and increases the performance and comfort
- NXT-Foam Technology: The Nxtrnd Football Back Plate is crafted with our ultra-lightweight, custom-molded NXT-Foam, offering superior protection and comfort.
- Ergonomic Curved Design: This football back plate features a curved shape that contours to your lower back, providing maximum comfort and protection compared to traditional flat back plates football players typically use.
- Vented for Cooling Comfort: Strategically placed vents on the football back plate ensure optimal airflow, keeping your lower back cool and reducing the overall weight of your shoulder pads.
- Universal Fit for All Sizes: The B-PLATE football back plate is compatible with all major shoulder pad brands and models. Available in adult size (Width 10", Height 7") for players over 5'4" and 100 lbs, and youth size (Width 8.5" Height 5.5") for players under 5'4" and 100 lbs, making it a great option for both youth football and adult players.
- Complete with Installation Hardware: Each B-PLATE package includes one football back plate and a complete set of installation hardware. Ensuring a secure and easy setup.
- Professional Foam Pad ：Protection Design Arogmax's Football Backplane Uses New Customized Abrasive Tools and Professional Foam Pads To Provide Maximum Protection and Coverage For Athletes. The Backplate Perfectly Balances Impact Protection and Comfort, Allowing You To Maintain Optimal Performance During Training.
- Ergonomic Surface Design: the Curved Design Of The Backboard Closely Fits The Athlete's Back, Providing Core Protection For The Lower Back, Kidneys, and Spine. Whether It's High-intensity Training Or Competition, The Backboard Can Help You Reduce The Stress And Discomfort Caused By Exercise.
- Breathable Mesh Design Keeps You Fresh We Specially Use Breathable Mesh Material Design To Ensure Good Air Circulation Of The Backboard, Avoid Moisture Accumulation, and Prevent Odor Generation. Even After High-intensity Training, The Backboard Can Quickly Dry, Maintain Freshness and Hygiene, and Is Suitable For Long-term Use.
- Simple And Convenient, Saving Time And Effort： unlike The Backboards That Require Self-assembly In The Market, Arogmax Football Backboards Have Completed All Installation Steps In The Factory. You Don't Need To Waste Time and Energy On Tedious Assembly, It's Ready To Use Right Out Of The Box. Whether Before Training Or Competition, It Can Be Quickly Put Into Use, Saving You Time and Effort, And Allowing You To Focus On Improving Your Skills.
- Dynamic Mechanical Cheetah Exterior Design the Unique Mechanical Design Of The Cheetah Is Inspired By Its Agility And Strength, Showcasing A Sense Of Modernity And Technology. The Streamlined Shape Not Only Enhances Visual Impact, But Also Stimulates Players' Training Enthusiasm, Making Every Training Session Full Of Motivation And Vitality.
- NXT-Foam Technology: The Nxtrnd Football Back Plate is crafted with our ultra-lightweight, custom-molded NXT-Foam, offering superior protection and comfort.
- Ergonomic Curved Design: This football back plate features a curved shape that contours to your lower back, providing maximum comfort and protection compared to traditional flat back plates football players typically use.
- Vented for Cooling Comfort: Strategically placed vents on the football back plate ensure optimal airflow, keeping your lower back cool and reducing the overall weight of your shoulder pads.
- Universal Fit for All Sizes: The B-PLATE football back plate is compatible with all major shoulder pad brands and models. Available in adult size (Width 10", Height 7") for players over 5'4" and 100 lbs, and youth size (Width 8.5" Height 5.5") for players under 5'4" and 100 lbs, making it a great option for both youth football and adult players.
- Complete with Installation Hardware: Each B-PLATE package includes one football back plate and a complete set of installation hardware. Ensuring a secure and easy setup.
- Maximum Protection - Our football back plate is designed for football players, well protect your lower back, kidneys and spine. It's a high quality sports protective equipment. Blind hole impacts due to size or back are avoided.
- Comfortable and Durable - Foam interior is designed to absorb impact and fits comfortably around your waist. Runxrocy football backplate doesn't limit your movement, speed or mobility. Slightly curved cushion for a snug fit on the back. Makes you enjoy the football games and also protect yourself in a more safe way.
- Ventilation function - Ventilation channels - Back pad of Runxrocy football back plate actively release heat to keep you cool and comfortable on the field.
- Our football back plate is made by PA, polymer sponge, outermost part is made by PVC which is soft and hard enough to well protect your back, kidneys and spine. It's a very good partner for football players.
- 100% PA + 100% Polymer sponge+100%PVC. Our football back protective pad has two different sizes, for adult and youth. Please check the size chart and choose the right size you need. Enjoy your game.
- NXT-Foam Technology: The Nxtrnd Football Back Plate is crafted with our ultra-lightweight, custom-molded NXT-Foam, offering superior protection and comfort.
- Ergonomic Curved Design: This football back plate features a curved shape that contours to your lower back, providing maximum comfort and protection compared to traditional flat back plates football players typically use.
- Vented for Cooling Comfort: Strategically placed vents on the football back plate ensure optimal airflow, keeping your lower back cool and reducing the overall weight of your shoulder pads.
- Universal Fit for All Sizes: The B-PLATE football back plate is compatible with all major shoulder pad brands and models. Available in adult size (Width 10", Height 7") for players over 5'4" and 100 lbs, and youth size (Width 8.5" Height 5.5") for players under 5'4" and 100 lbs, making it a great option for both youth football and adult players.
- Complete with Installation Hardware: Each B-PLATE package includes one football back plate and a complete set of installation hardware. Ensuring a secure and easy setup.
- Parameter: Width 12.2", height 7.3", thickness: 25 mm. Back plates are made of lightweight durable plate, ventilated fiber and foam padding. Suitable for strong teenagers, adults. Everyone's body type is different, please check the product size
- Wide applicability: Suitable for most Shoulder Pads. Our nylon straps have three different distances, assemble with the provided hardware, extra grommets allow players to raise or lower the back plate to a comfortable position
- Excellent design: Designed for football player, against impacts coming from the back. And keep your lower back cool, reduce the overall weight of your shoulder pads. Safe and secure for your every game
- Upscale pattern: Printed in variety of saturated colors and high-gloss finish, The pattern is very clear. It can show your personality, mock your opponent or inspire yourself
- Product service: You will receive 1 pcs football back plate and 1 set of installation hardware. And if you have any questions, we will provide solutions within 24 hours
- Durable & High-Quality Material--Crafted from PA, polymer sponge, this football backplate is built to withstand intense impacts and harsh field conditions. Its rugged design ensures long-lasting performance
- Enhanced Protection & Safety--Designed to provide superior protection for quarterbacks and skill players, Runxrocy backplate shields the spine and lower back from hard hits. The lightweight yet sturdy construction offers safety without sacrificing mobility.
- Universal Fit & Easy Installation--Compatible with most football shoulder pads, Runxrocy backplate features adjustable straps and secure fastenings for a snug, custom fit. Quick and easy to attach, it stays firmly in place during gameplay.
- Optimized Comfort & Mobility--Ergonomically contoured to follow the body’s natural shape, this backplate reduces bulk while allowing full range of motion. Ventilation channels help keep players cool and comfortable during high-intensity action.
- Trusted by Players & Coaches--A must-have gear for competitive football. Whether for practice or game day, it delivers reliable performance when it matters most.
Choosing the Right Backplates for Football: Your Essential Buying Guide
Football players need protection. Backplates are key pieces of gear. They guard the lower back and spine area. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for football backplates, look closely at these important parts. Good features mean better safety and comfort.
- **Impact Absorption:** The plate must soak up hard hits. Look for thick padding or specialized foam. This keeps your back safe when you get tackled.
- **Fit and Adjustability:** A backplate must hug your body snugly. Check the straps. Strong, easy-to-adjust straps let you customize the fit. A loose plate moves around and offers less protection.
- **Ventilation:** Football is hot. Good backplates have air holes or use breathable materials. This lets air flow. It keeps you cooler during long games.
- **Shell Coverage:** Make sure the plate covers the right area. It should protect your lower ribs and upper tailbone. More coverage usually means more protection.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used directly affect how long the backplate lasts and how well it works.
Most backplates use a strong plastic shell. High-quality polycarbonate plastic offers excellent strength. Cheaper plastics might crack easily after a few hard hits. Inside, dense, closed-cell foam is best. This foam resists sweat and keeps its shape. Straps should be made of durable nylon webbing. Metal hardware, like buckles, should resist rust.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is not just about the price tag. Certain design choices make a big difference.
What Makes a Backplate Great?
Strong, integrated hardware improves quality. Look for plates where the straps bolt securely onto the shell, not just glue. Curved designs fit the natural shape of the back better. This means less slipping during play. Manufacturers who use high-density padding usually offer superior shock absorption.
What Lowers the Quality?
Thin, flimsy plastic shells reduce quality significantly. If the foam compresses completely after one hard impact, it is low quality. Poor stitching on the straps will cause them to tear quickly. Some cheaper plates use simple, flat designs. These do not contour well to the body, making them uncomfortable and less effective.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play when choosing your backplate.
Different positions need different protection levels. Linemen and running backs take the most direct hits. They need the thickest, most rigid backplates available. Quarterbacks and receivers might prefer lighter models. These lighter plates offer mobility while still protecting against accidental contact. Always test the plate for movement. It should stay put when you run, jump, and twist. If the plate digs into your sides or waist, the user experience will be poor. Good backplates feel like a second skin after a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Football Backplates
Q: Do all football players need a backplate?
A: Not everyone needs one, but they are highly recommended for positions that take a lot of direct hits, like running backs and linebackers. They add crucial lower back protection.
Q: How do I know what size backplate to buy?
A: Sizing usually depends on your jersey size or chest measurement. Always check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. The plate should cover your lower ribs and sit comfortably above your hips.
Q: Can I wear a backplate under my shoulder pads?
A: No, backplates are designed to be worn *over* the shoulder pads, strapped securely around your waist and attached to the pads. Wearing it underneath prevents proper fit and reduces protection.
Q: How often should I replace my backplate?
A: Inspect your backplate regularly. If you see deep cracks in the plastic shell or if the foam feels permanently flattened, it is time for a replacement. Usually, they last a few seasons if cared for properly.
Q: Are youth backplates different from adult ones?
A: Yes, youth backplates are smaller and lighter. They use slightly less rigid materials because younger players do not absorb the same impact forces as adults.
Q: Can I customize the look of my backplate?
A: Many players put stickers on their backplates. Some high-quality shells allow for custom paint jobs or vinyl wraps. Check the material first to ensure stickers will adhere well.
Q: What is the difference between a rib protector and a backplate?
A: A backplate primarily protects the spine and tailbone area. A rib protector covers the sides and front of the lower rib cage. Many players use both for full lower body protection.
Q: Does wearing a backplate slow me down?
A: A well-fitted, modern backplate should not slow you down noticeably. Heavy, bulky models might feel cumbersome, but lightweight versions offer excellent protection with minimal impact on speed.
Q: How do I clean my football backplate?
A: Wipe the plastic shell down with a damp cloth and mild soap after games. Allow the foam padding to air dry completely. Never submerge the entire unit in water, as this damages the foam and hardware.
Q: Are backplates required by all football leagues?
A: Most youth and high school leagues strongly recommend them, but not all require them by rule. Professional leagues often have specific regulations regarding the type and placement of protective gear.