Do you wanna know what the biggest problem is with attaching a youth football backplate?
And why do 99% of youth athletes' backplates keep coming loose?
It’s because they don’t know this guide.
Duh..
You know that feeling—when your backplate starts to shift during a play, and you wonder, what if this is the moment it slips off?
Imagine what could happen if it fails right in the middle of a hit.
You probably don’t think too much about your backplate until it’s game time (like I was)
You just slip it on, tighten a few straps, and go—right?
After all, it’s just a piece of gear that’s supposed to keep you safe, so it’s easy to overlook the importance of getting it just right.
What if you get slammed into from the side, only to realise your backplate is digging into your back or worse, isn’t there at all.
Risking the feeling that panic mid-play.
That’s when the anxiety sets in.
The constant worry: What if it happens during a tackle?
Or, even worse, on a critical play? It’s that nagging fear that keeps you from being fully present and focused on the game.
And let’s face it, you can’t afford distractions when it’s all on the line.
If your backplate shifts during a tackle or doesn’t provide the protection you need, it could change the outcome of your game—or even lead to an injury that sidelines you for weeks.
You may think, “I’ve attached my backplate plenty of times—I’m good!”
Brother, just because you’ve done it before doesn’t mean you’ve done it right.
The difference between “good enough” and “perfect” is the difference between being distracted by a shifting backplate and feeling locked in and secure.
Inconsistent placement, straps that aren’t tight enough, or the wrong fit could be causing discomfort and affecting your game more than you realise.
But WAIT..
There’s good news:
You can eliminate this worry once and for all – and it’s simple!
We’re about to show you how to properly attach and secure your backplate so it stays locked in, no matter how hard you play.
In just 5 simple steps, you’ll learn how to make sure your backplate stays exactly where it needs to be—giving you the peace of mind to focus on what really matters: your performance.
Step 1: Choose the Right Backplate for Your Gear
Pick the Perfect Backplate That Fits Your Shoulder Pads and Keeps You Safe
Because one mistake too many players make is choosing a backplate that doesn’t fit right with their shoulder pads.
You don’t want to spend your game wondering whether your backplate is going to stay in place, or if it’s going to shift around as soon as you make contact.
The right backplate ensures maximum protection and comfort, so you can focus on the game instead of worrying about your gear.
- Make Sure It Matches Your Shoulder Pads: Not all backplates are created equal. Whether you use Riddell, Schutt, or Xenith, make sure your backplate is designed to work with the brand of shoulder pads you wear. The right fit keeps everything secure, giving you that extra peace of mind on game day.
- Look for Extra Protection Features: Some backplates come with extra padding or added coverage. If you want to boost your protection, go for a backplate that offers more support for your spine and lower back.
Step 2: Align the Backplate with Your Shoulder Pads
Make Sure Your Backplate Is Positioned Right to Stay Secure and Comfortable
Because it’s not just about slapping the backplate on and hoping for the best—you need to place it exactly where it needs to be.
Even the best backplate won’t do its job if it’s not aligned correctly.
A misaligned backplate can cause discomfort, and worse, it could slip off in the middle of the game.
- Line Up the Holes and Attach Securely: Take a second to align the backplate with the holes on your shoulder pads. This ensures the backplate stays locked in and doesn’t shift while you’re playing. Double-check the holes are aligned, and fasten everything securely.
- Check for Evenness: Make sure the backplate is centered on your back. It should sit evenly along your lower spine. If it’s crooked, it can cause unnecessary strain or discomfort during the game. A centered backplate gives you full protection and comfort.
Step 3: Adjust the Strap Length to Get a Snug Fit—How to Customize
Adjust the Straps to Make Sure Your Backplate Stays Locked In During Every Play
Because once your backplate is in place, the next step is adjusting the straps.
This is where the magic happens.
You want a secure, snug fit—but without feeling like you can’t move.
If the straps are too loose, the backplate will shift around. Too tight, and it’s uncomfortable and restricts your play.
- Find the Right Strap Length: Depending on how you like your gear to feel, adjust the straps for a tight or loose fit. Some players prefer a lower-hanging backplate for extra protection, while others like it higher for a more streamlined look. It’s up to you, but the most important thing is getting that perfect fit.
- Make It Snug but Comfortable: The straps should be tight enough that the backplate won’t move, but not so tight that they dig into your skin. You should still be able to move freely without discomfort.
Step 4: Test the Backplate During Practice
Don’t Wait Until the Big Game to Find Out Your Backplate Isn’t Secure—Test It Out in Practice First
Because you don’t make the rookie mistake of waiting until game day to find out your backplate isn’t properly set up.
Practice is the time to get everything dialed in.
Take a few practice reps to make sure everything stays locked in while you run drills and take hits.
- Run Through Drills to Check Stability: After attaching your backplate, go through some high-intensity drills. Make sure it doesn’t shift or slide as you move. Sprint, tackle, and do everything you would do in the game to test its durability.
- Check for Comfort and Fit: You don’t want to be adjusting your gear mid-play. Check that the backplate is secure and comfortable, without causing any pain or restriction.
Step 5: Troubleshoot Common Backplate Problems
What to Do If Your Backplate Starts Slipping, Shifting, or Feeling Uncomfortable?
Look.. sometimes, even with the best setup, things go wrong.
The good news? It’s easy to fix small issues before they become major problems.
Here’s how to troubleshoot common backplate issues:
-
Problem: Your backplate starts to feel loose during a drill.
Solution: Double-check the screws and make sure everything is tightened. If the holes aren’t aligning, adjust them. You can also add a washer to help keep the backplate in place. -
Problem: The straps keep slipping.
Solution: Try double-knotting the straps or using a bit of sports tape for added hold. It’ll keep them in place no matter how hard you get hit. -
Problem: Your backplate feels uncomfortable.
Solution: Adjust the fit and make sure it’s not digging into your back. Sometimes just shifting it slightly will improve comfort and performance.
Conclusion
Congrats!
You are equipped with the 5 step guide on attaching your youth-fit backplate
Your backplate won’t slip, it won’t dig into your back, and it will give you the protection you need to take your game to the next level.
What’s the biggest struggle you face with your gear?
Drop your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you.
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Let’s Roll.