Goalie Leg Pads

Being a goalie in a hockey match proves to be rather a dangerous position. This is because it is never known when the goalie gets hit by the hockey ball and stick when defending the goal post. This is why the goalie’s hockey equipment is much more than a normal hockey player’s which includes goalie masks and goalie leg pads.

It is said that goalie leg pads had descended from cricket pads and are about 1- to 12 inches long. They extend about 4 to 8 inches above the knee and have changed in design considerably over the years. This is to make sure that the goalie leg padding accommodates the different type of players who are playing goal.

The first few goalie leg pads were designed with the stand up goaltender in mind. However there are goalie leg pads available today that is meant for goalies who play with the butterfly style. These goalie pads are longer as they have to cover the five hole when the goalie goes down to do the butterfly. There is also an additional new pad for knee support that permits the goalie to be higher off in the ice when doing the butterfly.

Lately, goaltenders prefer putting on goaltender leg pads loosely so that they can easily do the butterfly push where they slide from one side of the net to the other. You can visit the local sports store or do your shopping online for your goalie leg pads. The goalie leg pad comes in various light colors and with two kinds of clips; plastic or metal. Younger players are suggested to use plastic clips as they are easier to close and open. One of the more famous brands of goalie leg pads is the Mylec goalie leg pads.

There are also many stores that sell used goalie leg pads if you find original goalie leg pads a bit too expensive for comfort. Whichever goalie leg pad you choose, make sure you buy it after determining your leg pad size. To do this, you have to measure your leg from the ankle to the top of the kneecap and then measure from the middle of the kneecap to half your thigh. Adding these two numbers give your goalie leg pad size. If you find that your size lies in between sizes, it is better to choose the larger size. However, it's important that you choose the goalie leg pad according to the style you use when goaltending; either butterfly or stand up.