Ever watch a football game and wonder what keeps those players safe from hard hits on their backs? It’s often a piece of gear called a back plate! These pads look small, but they offer big protection for a player’s spine and ribs. Choosing the right one, however, can feel like a real challenge. You worry about finding a plate that fits well, doesn’t get in the way of movement, and actually stops those jarring impacts.
Picking the wrong back plate means discomfort or, worse, not enough safety when you take a big hit. It’s frustrating when you’re trying to focus on the game, not on gear that’s pinching or sliding around. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what makes a great back plate.
By the end of this post, you will know the key features to look for. You’ll learn about materials, fit, and how to match a back plate to your playing style. Get ready to upgrade your protection and step onto the field with confidence. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about football back plates!
Top Football Back Plate Recommendations
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- VENTILATED PADDING engineered from high Density EVA and BREATHABLE FABRIC
- Provides UNMATCHED COMFORT AND PROTECTION
- Fits all Varsity Schutt shoulder pads and most competitors' shoulder pads
- 5 mm vent holes to help circulate air to keep you cool
- 12 ½ ”(w) x 6 ¼ ”(h); max extension from shoulder pad arch 7 5/8”
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- 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
- HIGH-IMPACT FOAM INTERIOR: The football back plate provides maximum protection and coverage with its high-impact foam interior, providing a balance between impact protection and true comfort
- CURVED DESIGN: The curved design of the back protector ensures maximum energy disbursement, providing excellent coverage and protection. The combination of a hard outer shell and contoured foam enhances style and adds to the performance and comfort
- UNIVERSAL FIT: The football backplates offer a universal fit, ensuring that it can be easily and comfortably worn by athletes of various sizes. With its versatile design, it provides maximum protection and is available in adult and youth sizes
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: The football back plate includes hardware, making it easy to install and secure onto your football equipment. You can quickly attach the back plate, ensuring a secure fit and reliable protection during intense sports activities
- DESIGN OPTIONS: Made in a high gloss finish and a variety of design options. With its sleek and stylish appearance, athletes can showcase their individuality while enjoying the benefits of the back protector
- 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.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Football Back Plate
A football back plate is a crucial piece of protective gear. It shields your lower back and tailbone from hard hits. Whether you play youth leagues or competitive high school ball, a good back plate offers essential safety. This guide helps you pick the right one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a back plate, certain features make a big difference in protection and comfort.
Padding Thickness and Density
- Thick Padding: Look for plates with thick foam padding. Thicker foam absorbs more impact energy.
- Dense Foam: The foam should feel firm, not squishy. Dense foam offers better long-term protection.
Shell Material and Durability
The outer shell protects the foam underneath. A strong shell prevents cracks and punctures.
- High-Impact Plastic: Most quality back plates use high-density polyethylene (HDPE). This material resists cracking when tackled hard.
- Ventilation Holes: Check for holes or vents in the shell. These holes let air flow, keeping you cooler during long games.
Attachment System
The straps must hold the plate securely. A loose plate moves around and doesn’t protect well.
- Adjustable Straps: Ensure the straps adjust easily. You need a snug fit around your torso.
- Durable Hardware: Examine the clips and buckles. Plastic buckles break easily. Metal or very strong composite buckles last longer.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used directly affect how long the back plate lasts and how well it protects you.
Padding Materials
Most back plates use closed-cell foam. This foam does not soak up sweat or water. This keeps the plate lighter, even in wet conditions. Some premium models use memory foam layers for extra shock absorption.
Shell Materials
Polycarbonate is another strong plastic sometimes used. It is lightweight but very tough. Avoid back plates with thin, flimsy plastic shells; these offer minimal protection.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Small design details really matter.
Improving Quality
- Contoured Shape: A plate shaped to fit the curve of your back offers better coverage. Flat plates leave gaps.
- Easy Cleaning: Choose a design where the padding can be wiped down easily. Good hygiene is important.
- Universal Fit: Many modern back plates use a universal mounting system. This means you can often switch the plate between different shoulder pad brands easily.
Reducing Quality
Cheap stitching on the straps often fails first. Frayed edges on the foam show low-quality construction. If the plate feels too light, it probably lacks sufficient padding.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you play the game. Your position influences the best choice.
Position Specific Needs
- Linemen (Offense/Defense): Linemen take many direct, low hits. They need the thickest, most rigid back plates for maximum impact dispersion.
- Skill Positions (Running Backs, DBs): These players need mobility. They should choose a slightly shorter, lighter back plate that does not restrict hip movement when cutting or turning quickly.
Comfort on the Field
A back plate should feel like part of your uniform, not something extra you have to carry. Test the fit before buying if possible. It should sit below the shoulder pads without rubbing uncomfortably against your neck or hips.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Football Back Plates
Q: Do I need a back plate for my league?
A: Many youth and high school leagues require them for certain positions, especially linemen. Always check your league’s specific rules before buying.
Q: How do I attach the back plate to my shoulder pads?
A: Most plates attach using two sets of straps. One set goes over the shoulder pads, and the other set loops around the rib cage area of the pads. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.
Q: Can I wear a back plate with any brand of shoulder pads?
A: Most modern back plates are designed for a universal fit. However, some very old or specialized shoulder pads might not have the correct loops for attachment.
Q: How thick should the padding be?
A: For maximum protection, look for at least 1 inch of dense foam. Thicker pads offer more protection but can feel bulkier.
Q: Will a back plate make me sweat more?
A: Yes, any extra padding traps some heat. However, plates with good ventilation holes help move air, reducing excessive sweating compared to solid plastic shields.
Q: What is the difference between a back plate and a rib protector?
A: A back plate covers just the lower back and spine area. A rib protector is a separate piece that covers the sides and ribs for protection against side impacts.
Q: How often should I replace my back plate?
A: You should replace it immediately if you see cracks in the plastic shell or if the foam padding becomes severely compressed and loses its springiness.
Q: Are back plates heavy?
A: Quality back plates are generally lightweight, usually weighing between one and two pounds. They should not significantly slow you down.
Q: Can kids wear adult back plates?
A: No, children should wear youth-sized gear. An adult plate will fit too loosely and offer poor protection to a smaller player.
Q: How do I clean my back plate?
A: Wipe down the plastic shell with a damp cloth and mild soap. You can usually remove the foam pads for separate cleaning, but always follow the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.