Shinguards Suck

This might be one of my more “controversial” post, but here goes…

A child’s technical soccer skills depend heavily on the gear they wear. Cleats are non-negotiable—you can’t play soccer in sneakers or baseball shoes. But shinguards? That’s where things get tricky.

We often see kids show up with giant shinguards that go up to the knee, sometimes wrapping the entire leg. Honestly, they look more ready for ice hockey or a medieval sword fight than a soccer session.

Here’s the problem with oversized shinguards:

1. Uneven surface – They stuff the shoe and make the inside uneven, lowering the quality of passes and touches.
2. Extra weight – On small legs, heavy shinguards slow kids down noticeably.
3. Lower ball control – Try juggling with shinguards: kids get half as many touches before losing control. It’s true for all technical skills.

Because of this, I often recommend kids train without shinguards when working on skills.

But there are exceptions:

• During matches and scrimmages (especially 1v1 battles), shinguards can prevent painful kicks.
• At the beginner level, some kids swing their leg wildly, so protection helps.
• Competitive players may want to train with shinguards occasionally to get used to game conditions.

So what should your child wear?

• Small, lightweight shinguards that slide into socks quickly—without removing cleats.
• A little gap between the foot and shinguard, and between the shinguard and knee.
• Think “minimal” like the pros: meeting the requirement without weighing players down.

Bottom line:
Shinguards are sometimes helpful, sometimes harmful. Use them for games, scrimmages, and wild 1v1 duels. Leave them off when focusing on technical skills.

If you have questions, text or call me anytime: 303-828-7079.

Soccer is a contact sport—bumps and bruises come with the territory. But oversized shinguards shouldn’t be the reason your child struggles to develop their touch.

See you on the field,
Lasse