5 Safety Tips for High School Football
From a decade of experience supplying more than 80% of the pros with equipment
Let’s face it, football is a physically demanding sport with its fair share of risks. And kids care much less about their safety than they do their performance. That’s where our job as parents comes in.
From getting their equipment right, to nutrition, diet, and technique, there’s a lot to consider and it’s easy to leave it to the coaches and hope for the best.
But imagine being able to give your player the best tools to optimize their safety on the field, while also unlocking their optimal performance in ways they are actually excited about.
Here are 5 low effort tips for helping your player be their best and safest this season.
Tip 1: Equipment Maintenance & Quality Checks
Unfortunately as it may be, not all athletic programs properly inspect and maintain their equipment. And with tight school budgets, some equipment can be in circulation for many many seasons.
Take 5 min to do thorough equipment check yourself. Looking for:
- Major cracks, missing foam / padding, or any other structural damage beyond cosmetic scratches.
- Loose face mask screws on the helmet
- Torn straps and/or loose hardware
Tip 2: Hydration, Diet, and Key Minerals
We all know how brutal those end-of-summer practices can be. Dehydration can lead to muscle cramps, dizziness, and decreased coordination, increasing the risk of injury.
In addition to pure fluids, it's crucial to replace depleted vitamins and minerals lost through heavy sweating and intense exercise.
The NFL’s recommendation for hydration is: Click Here
- Before: consume 16–24 fluid ounces of water 10–15 minutes before activity
- During: hydrate with an electrolyte-packed sports drink or water during practice
- After: drink chocolate milk to help replenish nutrients lost during exercise.
Tip 3: Ensure Equipment Fits Properly
Ill-fitting gear can be as dangerous as no gear at all. Shoulder pads and helmets that are too loose or too tight can impair movement and fail to provide adequate protection.
Make sure to measure your child's head and shoulder size accurately and choose equipment that fits as intended.
Tip 4: Watch for Signs of Concussion
As much as technique and game rules encourage safe play and are intended to avoid concussion, they are an unfortunate reality of the game.
Our job as parents is to know how to spot the signs and symptoms of concussion to give players the rest and recovery they need to avoid serious and potentially long-term damage
Tip 5: Equipment Quality over Cost
Not all equipment is created the same, while budget-friendly options might seem tempting, investing in high-quality gear is designed not only to ensure your child's safety, but help improve their performance. Look for equipment that meets rigorous safety standards and has been tested for durability and protection.
Knowing you need to keep your kid safe and healthy during sports is one thing, but actually having the right equipment, with the right fit to ensure your player’s optimal safety and performance, is another. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.
The Pad of the Pros
At XTECH we’ve dedicated the last 12 years to safety and performance, custom fitting more than 80% of the most elite professionals, the majority of D1 programs, and high school players with the shoulder pads and equipment they need to be safe while simultaneously elevating their performance.
The XTECH X2 shoulder pads are the most technologically advanced pads on the market featuring 11 different patents and world class XRD foam. All pads are handmade by our experts in our New Jersey warehouse.
Get a free custom fit recommendation personalized to your player’s height, weight, and position
Maximum Safety and Performance
- Custom fit: Each set of pads are built to support your player’s size and position, maximizing safety
- Unparalleled Mobility: Our patented design enables unparalleled range of motion without sacrificing safety
- Impact Protection.: Hand built in the US with world class materials that give you undeniable impact protection
What the Elite Are Saying About XTECH
How It Works
- Submit a Size Fit Request: Provide your player’s height, weight, position, and any other pertinent details (e.g. injuries, etc.)
- Expert Analysis: Our specialists will analyze the data and recommend the best size and style for your player.
- Customize Your Gear: Use our 3D Builder to customize your pads to your exact needs.
- Shipped Out Next Day: Get your pads ASAP as our custom built pads ship out the next business
Here’s What You’ll Get
- Advanced Protection: State-of-the-art materials designed to absorb impact.
- Custom Fit: Personalized sizing for optimal comfort and safety.
- Durability: High-quality construction ensures long-lasting use.
- Breathability: Innovative design for improved airflow and comfort.
- Lightweight: Engineered to provide maximum protection without weighing you down.
- Enhanced Mobility: Allows for full range of motion, critical for peak performance.
- Trusted by Pros: Used by over 80% of pro players and top college teams.
- Power of 11 Patents: Reflecting our commitment to innovation and safety.
- Expert Support: Access to our team of specialists for personalized advice.
- Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our products with confidence
Ready to Get Started?
Ensure your player’s safety and performance with the best gear in the game. Submit a Size Fit Request today and let our experts help you choose the perfect XTECH shoulder pads for your child. built pads ship out the next business day!