What is a football backplate, and why do players wear them? A football backplate is a protective piece of equipment worn on the back of a football player’s shoulder pads to cover the spine and upper back area. It’s designed to absorb impact and protect against hard hits, falls, and collisions.
Football is a rough sport. Players get tackled, fall, and collide with each other. This can lead to serious injuries to the back and spine. That’s where a football backplate comes in. It’s an essential piece of gear for many players, offering an extra layer of defense for a vulnerable part of the body. This guide will walk you through exactly how to put on a backplate football, making sure it’s attached securely and in the right place for maximum protection. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right backplate to the final adjustments.
Why Wear a Football Backplate?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s quickly touch on why these pieces of equipment are so important.
- Spinal Protection: The most critical function of a backplate is to shield the spine. A direct hit or forceful impact to the back can be devastating, potentially causing nerve damage or paralysis. A backplate acts as a barrier.
- Impact Absorption: Backplates are typically made from sturdy plastic or composite materials. They’re designed to spread the force of an impact over a wider area, reducing the direct pressure on the player’s back.
- Preventing Bruises and Lacerations: Beyond serious spinal injuries, players can suffer from painful bruises and cuts on their backs from contact with helmets, cleats, or the ground. A backplate helps prevent these.
- Compliance with Rules: In many football leagues, particularly at higher levels like college and professional, wearing a backplate is a mandatory safety requirement. This ensures a baseline level of protection for all players.
Choosing the Right Football Backplate
The effectiveness of your backplate depends on choosing one that fits your gear and your body. Here’s what to consider:
Types of Backplates
- Universal Fit: Most backplates are designed to fit most standard shoulder pads. They usually have adjustable straps to accommodate different sizes and shapes.
- Brand-Specific: Some shoulder pad manufacturers offer backplates designed to integrate seamlessly with their specific pad models. These can offer a more snug and secure fit.
Material and Design
- Plastic: The most common material. It’s durable, relatively lightweight, and good at deflecting impacts.
- Composite: Some higher-end backplates use composite materials, which can offer even greater strength and impact dispersion.
- Ventilation: Some backplates have ventilation holes to help with airflow, keeping players cooler during games and practices.
- Padding: While the plate itself is hard, some designs incorporate internal padding for added comfort and shock absorption.
Size and Length
Backplates come in various lengths. The longer they are, the more coverage they provide for the lower back. It’s important to choose a length that offers adequate protection without hindering movement. Generally, a backplate should extend down to cover the beltline or slightly below.
Gathering Your Supplies
You don’t need many tools to put on a football backplate, but having everything ready will make the process smoother.
- Football Backplate: The protective gear itself.
- Shoulder Pads: The backplate attaches to these. Ensure your shoulder pads are already on and properly fitted.
- Straps/Velcro: Most backplates come with integrated straps or Velcro fasteners. Make sure these are in good condition.
How To Put On A Back Plate Football: Easy Steps
Attaching a football backplate is a straightforward process. The key is ensuring it’s positioned correctly and secured tightly. Let’s break down the football backplate installation.
Step 1: Prepare Your Shoulder Pads
First, ensure your shoulder pads are on and fitted correctly. They should be snug against your body and not have excessive looseness. The backplate will attach to the rear portion of the shoulder pads. Look for the designated attachment points, which are usually reinforced loops or slots on the back of the shoulder pad shell.
Step 2: Position the Backplate
Hold the backplate against the back of your shoulder pads. The top of the backplate should align with the top of the shoulder pad’s back panel. The primary goal of football backplate placement is to ensure it covers the spine and extends down to the natural curve of your lower back. It should feel like a natural extension of the shoulder pad’s protective coverage.
Step 3: Attaching the Top Straps
Most backplates have two or more straps at the top. These typically loop through slots or around bars on the shoulder pads.
- Locate Attachment Points: Find the corresponding slots or loops on your shoulder pads. These are usually near the top of the shoulder pad’s back panel, often on either side.
- Thread the Straps: Take the top straps of the backplate and thread them through the attachment points on your shoulder pads.
- Secure the Straps: Fasten the straps. This usually involves Velcro or buckles. Ensure they are pulled snug, but not so tight that they restrict breathing or movement. The goal is to have the top of the backplate held firmly against the shoulder pads.
Step 4: Securing the Bottom Straps
Once the top is secured, you’ll need to fasten the bottom straps. These usually wrap around the lower part of the shoulder pads or the side panels.
- Locate Bottom Points: Look for attachment points on the sides or bottom of your shoulder pads, often near the waist.
- Wrap and Fasten: Thread the bottom straps through these points and secure them. Again, aim for a snug fit that keeps the backplate from shifting. This is crucial for proper football backplate fitting.
Step 5: Adjust for Comfort and Fit
This is where you fine-tune the football backplate attachment.
- Check for Gaps: Ensure there are no significant gaps between the backplate and your shoulder pads. A tight fit prevents the backplate from moving during play and ensures full protection.
- Mobility Check: Move your arms and torso. Can you comfortably twist, bend, and reach? The backplate should not impede your range of motion. It’s important to feel secure but not restricted.
- Spine Coverage: Double-check that the backplate is covering your spine effectively. It should extend low enough to provide protection to your mid-to-lower back without being uncomfortable. This proper football backplate placement is vital.
- Strap Tightness: Make sure all straps are securely fastened. They shouldn’t be loose enough to allow the backplate to slide, nor so tight that they cause discomfort or restrict circulation. Proper football backplate padding starts with secure strapping.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Before heading onto the field, give everything a final once-over.
- Strap Security: Are all Velcro straps firmly attached? Are any buckles clicked into place?
- Backplate Stability: Does the backplate feel solid against your shoulder pads? Try to wiggle it; it shouldn’t move much.
- No Pinching: Ensure no straps are pinching your skin or digging into your body.
- Comfort: Do you feel comfortable and protected? If anything feels off, it’s better to adjust it now.
This systematic approach ensures your football backplate assembly is correct and provides the intended protection.
Football Backplate Fitting: Key Considerations
Achieving the perfect football backplate fitting involves more than just strapping it on. Here are some crucial points to remember during the football backplate attachment process:
1. Proper Shoulder Pad Fit is Paramount
A backplate’s effectiveness is directly tied to how well your shoulder pads fit. If your shoulder pads are too loose or too tight, the backplate won’t sit correctly.
- Shoulder Pad Check: Ensure your shoulder pads sit flush against your shoulders and chest. The straps should be adjusted so the pads don’t shift easily.
- Pad Orientation: Make sure the shoulder pads themselves are oriented correctly on your body, with no twists or awkward positioning.
2. Strap Management
The straps are what hold everything together. Proper management ensures the backplate stays in place and provides consistent protection.
- Keep Straps Clean: Dirt and debris can make Velcro less effective. Keep your straps clean.
- Avoid Over-Tightening: While snugness is important, over-tightening straps can restrict breathing and blood flow, leading to discomfort and performance issues.
- Check for Wear: Regularly inspect the straps for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying or weakened Velcro. Replace them if necessary.
3. Backplate Placement for Different Positions
While the general principle of spine coverage applies to all positions, some players might have slightly different needs or preferences for football backplate placement.
- Linemen: Often require robust protection due to the high-impact nature of their play. A slightly longer backplate might be preferred.
- Running Backs/Linebackers: These players are often tackled from behind. Secure attachment is crucial to prevent the backplate from becoming dislodged during tackles.
- Skill Position Players (WR, DB): While still needing protection, these players might prioritize a more streamlined fit that doesn’t impede agility or speed.
4. Comfort vs. Protection
There’s a balance to strike. A backplate that’s too uncomfortable will be a distraction. However, prioritizing comfort over proper fit and security defeats the purpose of wearing it.
- Break-In Period: Some backplates may feel a bit stiff initially. A short break-in period of wearing them during light drills can help.
- Padding: If your backplate has internal padding, ensure it’s positioned correctly against your back.
Maintaining Your Football Backplate
Just like any piece of sports equipment, proper care will extend the life and effectiveness of your football backplate.
Cleaning
- Wipe Down: After use, especially after practices or games in wet conditions, wipe down the backplate with a damp cloth to remove sweat and dirt.
- Strap Cleaning: For Velcro straps, use a stiff brush or a dedicated Velcro cleaner to remove lint and debris that can reduce adhesion.
Storage
- Dry Location: Store your backplate in a dry, well-ventilated area. Avoid leaving it in a damp equipment bag for extended periods.
- Avoid Extreme Heat: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat can damage plastic components.
Inspection for Damage
Periodically check your backplate for any signs of damage.
- Cracks: Look for any cracks or significant scuffs on the plastic. A damaged backplate may not offer adequate protection.
- Strap Integrity: As mentioned, check straps for wear and tear.
- Attachment Points: Ensure the loops or slots where the straps attach to the backplate are not broken or damaged.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I wear a football backplate without shoulder pads?
No, a football backplate is designed to attach to and work in conjunction with shoulder pads. It does not offer standalone protection.
Q2: How do I know if my football backplate is on correctly?
Your backplate is on correctly if it is securely attached to your shoulder pads, covers your spine and upper back without gaps, and does not restrict your movement. The straps should be snug but not uncomfortable.
Q3: Do all football players need a backplate?
While not universally mandatory for all players at all levels, it is highly recommended for most positions and often required by league rules, especially in organized youth, high school, college, and professional football.
Q4: How tight should the straps of a football backplate be?
The straps should be snug enough to keep the backplate firmly in place without shifting during play. They should not be so tight that they cause discomfort, restrict breathing, or cut off circulation.
Q5: What if my backplate feels uncomfortable or digs in?
Check the football backplate fitting again. Ensure it’s positioned correctly on the shoulder pads and that the straps are distributing pressure evenly. Sometimes, a slightly different angle or adjustment of the shoulder pads themselves can resolve discomfort. If the backplate itself seems to have a sharp edge or design flaw, consider a different model.
Q6: Can I wash my football backplate?
You can wipe it down with a damp cloth and mild soap if necessary. However, avoid submerging it in water or putting it in a washing machine, as this can damage the material and straps. Ensure it’s completely dry before storing.
Q7: How long should a football backplate be?
The ideal length varies by player and preference, but it should cover the spine from the top of the shoulder pads down to at least the beltline or slightly lower, without extending so far down that it interferes with movement or creates an uncomfortable pressure point.
Q8: My backplate seems loose. What could be wrong with the football backplate installation?
Check that all straps are securely fastened to the correct attachment points on your shoulder pads. Ensure the Velcro is clean and gripping properly. If the straps are worn out or the attachment points on the shoulder pads are damaged, this could also cause looseness.
Q9: Does a backplate add significant weight?
Most football backplates are made of lightweight plastic and add only a minimal amount of weight, usually just a few ounces. This minimal weight is well worth the added protection.
Q10: What is the purpose of football backplate padding?
While the primary protection comes from the rigid plate, some backplates include a thin layer of internal padding. This padding can add a small amount of extra cushioning and comfort, preventing the hard plastic from pressing directly against the player’s back.
By following these detailed steps and considering the key aspects of football backplate fitting, players can ensure they are properly protected and ready to play with confidence. The correct attachment and placement are crucial for maximizing the defensive benefits this piece of equipment offers.