How to Wear a Shin Guard? [Complete Guide]

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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 weve got your back
  (or should I say shins?) with the ultimate guide
  on how to wear a shin guard.

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Why Do You Need to Wear Shin Guards?

• Ready to hit the MMA ring with all youve 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 foots 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!

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Muay Thai Kicking Target Zone and Strike Zone

• Alright, lets 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 Opponents
  Thigh
• Imagine your opponents thigh as your bullseye!
  Thats your target zone. For a killer kick, aim
  for both the inside and outside of their thigh.
  Hit that spot, and youll have them wincing in no
  time!
• Strike Zone Unleashing the Shin Strike
• Now, lets talk about the strike zone its 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,
  thats where the magic happens!

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Shin Guards Your Armor Against Foot Injuries

• When youre training in Muay Thai, shin guards
  are your trusty sidekicks! Theyre like your
  superhero armour, protecting your shin, foot, and
  ankle from potential injuries. See, we want you
  to kick with confidence, knowing youre 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. Thats where shin guards
  come in handy, preventing those nasty
  foot-related mishaps.

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Here Is How Your Bodys 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, lets get take a look at your legs
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.
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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.


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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.
Thats it! Simple steps to keep your shin guards
in mint condition.
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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.
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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.
Theyre 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. Theyre great for intermediate
players or those looking for a bit more support.
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The Bottomline
Shin guards are your ultimate allies in the ring.
Throughout this guide, weve 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.
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