Why are knee pads needed in volleyball? What kind of knee pads are used in different sports? Types of sports knee pads

Sports knee pads are classified depending on the sport for which they are intended. Such products are made from natural or artificial materials and are reinforced with special inlays.

There are a large number of different ones. To do right choice, you need to accurately determine the size of the knee joint, and also take into account the main purpose of the product (for volleyball, basketball, running or other types of physical activities).

The difference between sports knee pads and medical ones

Joint support products can be divided into sports and medical. Their difference is that they are intended for different purposes. So, sports knee pads are mainly used for the following tasks:

• additional protection of the joint from injury;
• stabilization of the joint, especially during recovery after injury or surgery;
• soft massage effect, increased blood flow;
• decline pain and feelings of fatigue.

Thus, these types of products are not intended to treat any complications of the joint (for example, bursitis, synovitis, arthritis, arthrosis, etc.), but serve as a preventive measure against impacts.

At the same time, knee pads for sports belong to the so-called. They are made of elastic fabrics and do not contain fixation means (metal knitting needles and hinges for complete immobilization of the joint), like.

Basically, sports products are made from the following materials:

1. Cotton– suitable for all athletes, allows moisture and air to pass through well. The disadvantages include low wear resistance - with active use, the product quickly wears out. In addition, cotton fabric will not provide strong pressure on the joint.
2. Neoprene– poorly permeable to water and air, however, orthoses based on it can be used when practicing water sports, because the material is waterproof. In addition, due to its dense structure, it gives a warming effect, which can be useful for people who engage in winter sports.
3. Polyester– a very reliable, durable material that lasts for several years even with active use of the orthosis. It costs much more than cotton.
4. Nylon– is also wear-resistant, and the cost of such products is also higher than knee pads made of natural fabric.
5. Spandex. Spandex knee pads fit most tightly to the surface of the joint. This is a dense artificial fiber that fixes the joint well.
6. Lycra. Finally, orthoses are also made from lycra; they are quite elastic and also allow air and moisture to pass freely.

Types of sports knee pads

To date, a large number of sports knee pads by various manufacturers. They differ fundamentally in their design, which is associated with the mode everyday use. For example, there are elastic sports knee pads that are used for running, dancing and other “light” activities. They are a bandage made of fabric that is practically not felt on the leg. And orthoses for volleyball, basketball and other sports mainly serve as additional protection for the joint.

For volleyball

Such knee pads are made from different materials, but almost always contain inserts made of dense rubber (2–4) - they protect the knee joint from injury. This can be felt well during falls, collisions with the ball or players.

Among athletes you can find different reviews about the use of orthoses for playing volleyball. Basically they boil down to the fact that inexpensive models wear out quickly and can fall off if you fall on your knees and slip a few centimeters. Therefore, for regular exercise, it is better to pay attention to the following sports knee pads for volleyball:

1. Asics Gel-Conform almost completely absorbs the impact force, protects not only the kneecap, but also the lateral surfaces of the joint.

1. Models from the Japanese brand Mizuno are popular among professionals. Such knee pads for volleyball can be bought at Sportmaster and other specialized stores.

1. Mikasa MT-6 perfectly protects the knee joint from all sides, fits snugly to the leg and at the same time does not squeeze it.

1. McDavid is not suitable for professional practice, but it will suit amateur volleyball players.

Note! Such products should be washed exclusively by hand at a temperature of no more than +35°C. Dry flat without access to warm air flows from a radiator or direct sunlight.

Dance

Such products are made of elastic materials and are not equipped with reinforcements made of rubber inserts.

Their task is to provide soft support to the joint and a massage effect by increasing blood flow to the corresponding parts of the body.

For basketball

These knee pads are elongated versions.

They completely cover not only the knee joint, but also 15–20 cm of the surface on each side of it. Thanks to durable, but loose materials, you can wear it discreetly under clothing.

Video review of knee pads for basketball:

For football

As with basketball, these products usually have an elongated shape. Professional knee pads feel like a second skin on the body due to the dense material, which significantly absorbs shock when falling and being hit by a ball. At the same time, orthoses allow moisture to pass through, which eliminates excessive sweating.

For weightlifting and crossfit

For weightlifting, as well as the CrossFit system, which includes its elements, special models of knee pads are suitable, providing rigid fixation and stabilizing the joint.

They are made mainly from artificial materials. If the main goal of the exercise is to shape the knee, i.e. In fact, losing weight, it is best to purchase a model made of neoprene. Due to the high density of this material, the skin sweats intensely, which increases fluid loss.

You can see an overview of successful knee pads for CrossFit in the video:

For running

Similar models are elastic bandages made from natural or artificial materials.

Users note that it is not advisable to purchase products that are too soft, since they practically do not give the desired effect.

Features of the running bandage in the video review:

Step-by-step instructions for choosing a knee brace

It is important to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Dimensions.
2. Material of manufacture.
3. Orthosis design.
4. Manufacturer.

First of all, you need to measure the circumference of your knee. Knee pads for volleyball are selected according to the sizes described in the table.

Table 1. Knee pad sizes

Size	S	M	L	XL
Circle diameter, cm	until 23	24-26	27-29	from 30

Details on how to choose an orthosis by size in the video:

In terms of material and design, knee pads should be selected exclusively in accordance with the type of sport: elongated ones - for basketball, with enhanced protection - for volleyball, basketball, football. Regular elastic bandages are chosen for daily activities running and dancing, and for aquatic species Neoprene knee pads are perfect for sports.

Finally, among manufacturers it is better to pay attention to famous brands, which have already proven themselves with the best side. Useful to read real reviews athletes and see reviews of models. The prices of knee pads for volleyball with a description of the various models are presented in the table.

Table 2. Review of popular sports knee pads with prices and characteristics

Model	Description	Price per pair, rub.
Asics Basic Kneepad	Made from artificial materials (polyurethane foam, polyester with the addition of elastane). Wear-resistant, suitable for professional volleyball play	898
	Popular wear-resistant polyester model, used in amateur volleyball	985
Demix	The bandage is equipped with a protective pad 12 mm thick. It protects the kneecap from impacts during collisions or falls	990
	Knee pad from a Japanese manufacturer, designed for professional sports. The product is characterized by increased wear resistance, is dense enough to protect against impacts and at the same time allows air to pass through well.	1 490
	The orthosis is made of a special material VS-1, which absorbs impacts well and thus reliably protects the joint in case of falls.	2 190

Note! The sizes are indicated not only by the Latin letters S, M, L, XL, but also by numbers. The indicated row corresponds to 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Thus, you can choose knee pads for volleyball or other sports on your own, without additional consultation with a doctor. If you choose the right model in terms of material and size, the orthosis will sit tightly on the joint and reliably protect it from possible injuries.

Playing in team sports means preparing for unexpected situations and injuries. Volleyball players expect high levels of injury lower limbs due to the specifics of the game. Volleyball knee pads are part of carefully designed sports equipment that protects the knee from impacts on the surface during play, and prevents bruises and tears of ligaments and menisci. Like any sport, in order to achieve a result that requires the joint efforts of several people, volleyball requires long hours of training, and maximum impact in competitions.

The only variation of playing ball with your hands, where the legs in particular suffer slightly knee joints- This is beach volleyball. In it, players have to fall and hit on a relatively soft surface. Doctors, whose responsibilities include closely monitoring the health of each team member, are always attentive to the selection of appropriate equipment.

Why are knee pads needed?

Volleyball knee pads protect against injuries when playing

Production sports equipment and protective equipment for sports is the prerogative of several well-known companies that have firmly taken their places in the sales rankings. Professional players are recommended to use models specially designed for extreme situations; those who play occasionally, run or dance are also advised to use a knee pad, but it is more flexible to the joint and with a less rigid coating.

Some players ignore this type of protection as it hinders the ability to react quickly, crouch, or turn, but it is sometimes vital.

A knee injury is a dangerous thing that can lead to the cessation of professional sports activities or loss of motor activity.

The passion for sports that takes over a person during the game sometimes makes it impossible for the body to group correctly, accept the impact force in a smaller volume, or avoid damage. Participation in a team, when maximum output is required, is a complex process with real risks, but in return the person receives the opportunity for physical (60%), emotional and social (10+10%) self-realization. In order not to lose the chances achieved by years of training, specific protective equipment is simply necessary. Asics volleyball knee pads are the result of observations and calculations from a world-famous manufacturer.

The original form of a protective knee pad is a structure that tightly encircles the leg not only at the site of probable injury ( kneecap, which primarily suffers from an impact on a hard floor or in a collision), but also from the sides to fix the patella and prevent its possible displacement.

Asics Volleyball Knee Pads

The defensive function, in the opinion of an actively moving player, suppresses mobility, makes it difficult to run around the court and make spontaneous turns in attempts to catch a ball that has changed its trajectory due to a strike.

In contrast to thick knee pads, made of dense fabric with a padding that secures the leg in front and on the sides, so-called thin ones were developed, with a softer shield, without a lock on the side. This look met with more approval, but somewhat lost the purpose for which it was worn. Asics, in a review of its products, noted that the main advantage of the knee pad is its protective function.

With all its bonuses, it leads to the loss of the main advantage that a volleyball player has - mobility. A team member who is unable to react quickly, or who has lost some of his mobility, loses effectiveness and easily falls out of the picture. But he could just as easily become unnecessary to the team if he gets injured and can’t play.

Options and materials

The production of Asics knee pads began to develop in two directions, and to develop models that provide the volleyball player with both necessary functions. To this end, the manufacturer undertook not only technological improvements, but also sociological surveys of potential consumers. It turned out that in a simple protective device there are nuances that need to be taken into account.

Knee pads Demix

Mizuno, Asics, Demix and other manufacturers began to produce shin guards for volleyball and sports dancing, taking into account various components:

• softness or hardness of the fabric and its composition;
• the ability to wash without problems, removing dirt, without further deformation of the product;
• simultaneous durability of the material and its natural composition (bamboo turned out to be one of the most popular materials, durable and devoid of allergic components);
• the presence or absence of side pads, which were considered by some players to be a significant obstacle to achieving mobility and responsiveness;
• additional reinforcement in the form of removable liners, which can be useful in a tough match or in case of a minor injury to prevent consequences;
• fasteners of varying degrees of reliability and principle of operation (Velcro, ties, button hooks, etc.);
• thermal stabilizers to maintain optimal knee temperature and keep it dry and warm throughout a match or training session;
• color scheme (some players, especially in women's volleyball, they prefer to purchase knee pads that match the color of the uniform, rather than the traditional and universal black color);
• variable size, for women's, men's knees or universal.

Asics knee pads

Asics, which did not miss a single significant thing in the creation of its sports equipment developments sporting event since 1964, introducing the closed model of the Basic knee pads. In a press release, she noted that the best mobility is undoubtedly a person without knee protection, but if it is not there, the athlete may lose all mobility.

The enormous load to which the knee joints are exposed during sports can lead to fractures and ligament ruptures, meniscal damage, hematomas and hemarthrosis, inflammation of the joints and soft tissues, and only knee pads can partially prevent their occurrence. Whether it will be Asics Gel, Kneepad, famous knee pads and elbow pads from Kipsta, the athlete can choose independently, focusing on the necessary parameters.

Selection options

Of the proposed types of knee braces that exist in sports reality (bandage, belt, bandage, double belt or knee stabilizer), the main parameters will still remain the reliability of fastening, material, weight and protective abilities. Triple Eight KP22 Knee Pads for skaters will protect the knee 100% from falls, but will absolutely limit the player's mobility.

Triple Eight KP22 Knee Pads

Here are Mizuno knee pads, made of VS-1 g material, unlike those traditionally made of ethyl vinyl acetate, and are guaranteed to protect and preserve motor capabilities. The mizu shield is equipped with the Mizuno Plus groove system, which allows for a tight fit of the knee joint and ensures its ventilation using special holes.

Almost the original mobility is preserved, thanks to the use of unconventional material, impact recoil is reduced. Ethyl vinyl acetate has two more undeniable advantages - low wear and problem-free washing. But this is a polymer material that will not suit people prone to allergies.

Demix neoprene knee pads have managed to solve this problem by incorporating the ability to maintain the anatomical shape of the joint with a polymer material, but with breathable pads that prevent skin irritation. Demix does not use all of the materials traditionally used to make volleyball equipment.

Although from the proposed assortment you can choose options:

• cotton, natural, breathable, soft, but fulfills its function only in combination with other fabrics;
• bamboo, more resistant to wear, easy to wash, in demand by volleyball players;
• spandex is a traditionally used texture for a tight fit in sportswear;
• nylon, wear-resistant and durable, but synthetic;
• neoprene - with a noticeable compression and warming effect, but not recommended for long-term use due to its inability to allow air to pass through.

In the production of such sports accessories, it is customary to use combinations of 2 or more materials to enhance the advantages and compensate for the disadvantages. The athlete must decide what best meets the requirements for use according to the same principle. From a large assortment, choose the most convenient for him.

It is advisable to use knee pads for playing volleyball. IN beach volleyball they are practically not used, but this type of equipment is needed for serious training and competitions. Knee pads perform one important function - they protect the athlete's knees and joints. Volleyball is not the only sport in which it is necessary to protect your knees and joints. Similar equipment is used in wrestling and football.

They have a number of differences. While football products are massive, volleyball equipment is made from lighter materials. In volleyball there are no products that would protect the entire shin along with the Achilles tendon; there is no need for such equipment.

- These are products that serve only to protect the knee. They may or may not have adjustable straps. When purchasing, it is better to choose products with an adjustable part. Such knee pads are more comfortable and can be easily adjusted to a specific athlete. If necessary, you can even give them to someone for a while.

Volleyball knee pads are made from lightweight modern materials, usually polymers. Foam products are very easy to use. The foam is located inside the knee pads, they are outer part consists of a special quick-drying material. If an athlete sweats a lot during training, the protective equipment will not become saturated with sweat, it will remain dry, because the material from which the knee pads are made promotes the evaporation of moisture.

Washable. Moreover, this should be done after every workout. Then the equipment will last longer, and the athlete will not experience discomfort during serious games.

Let's be honest, what kind of knee pads do you wear when playing volleyball?
Which knee pads do you recommend and which ones do you not recommend wearing under any circumstances?
Do you really need knee pads? Do you think all professional players should wear knee pads?

At the same time, I will share my observations with you.

I played almost my entire adult volleyball life wearing only knee pads - the simplest amateur Asics model for 300 rubles. They were standard black with a thin white edging along the edges. It seems that this is still one of the most common options in sports schools and halls where people play for their own pleasure. Of the models currently presented, they are closest to the Asics "Classic".
In general, when these knee pads were given to me, I was extremely pleased, because at the sports school I worked out without them. Well, at that time it also seemed like a very status thing.

But gradually certain shortcomings of these knee pads began to emerge.
Firstly, if, when you fell to your knees, you tried to slide in these knee pads in this particular state, they could fly off your feet.
Secondly, the pads of the knee pads themselves were not very thick, that is, you did not notice an unaccented blow, but it was not worth just throwing yourself on your knees: it could be quite painful!
Thirdly, and this became the most significant drawback for me, it was relatively rare, but still there were cases when I fell and folded my legs to the side. Sometimes this happened when receiving a distant ball, sometimes when playing as a safety net. At the same time, I was surprised to discover that the knee joints are much more vulnerable from the side; even weak blows to the knees were very painful! I had no intention of throwing away my old knee pads, but fate decided to speed up the arms race, and somehow I accidentally lost them.

As a result, any person is faced with a choice of what to play. Let's look at 5 standard options.

1) Volleyball knee pads Asics Gel-Conform - the most advanced model from Asics, at least those available in Russia. Overall this model was my favorite. The gel filling of the pillow almost completely absorbed the force of the impact, and from a physical point of view, this is a rather fruitful idea. The edges of the pillow fit well onto the side of the knee, that is, the problem of protecting particularly vulnerable areas of the knee was solved. Interestingly, Asics has started using relatively advanced technology to secure the kneecap with the kneecap itself. At the same time, something like separate rays extend sideways from a single gel pad, which duplicate the knee ligaments. I would finally settle on this option, but for some reason this model only has one size. And for me this size was too tight. That is, it was possible to play, but the knee was pinched so much that, for example, when removing the knee pad, the socks were torn off along with it...

2) The next two options are more popular among professionals. I'm not sure it's deserved, because... I really liked the option from Asics. The advanced version from Mizuno also fixes the kneecap, but is too intrusive regardless of the size. What I didn't like most about these knee pads is that the filling in them is not gel, but a denser, harder substance, something like a foam crust. And these same “rays” moving to the side can put quite unpleasant pressure on some areas of the knee. Personally, I don't think kneecap fixation is necessary at all.

3) The option that I eventually settled on is the fairly popular Mikasa MT-6 model. Of all three advanced models, this model best protects the lateral areas of the knees. There is no provision for fixing the kneecap, which, however, is for the best. It is possible to choose the size so that, on the one hand, the knee pad fits snugly, and on the other, it does not pinch the leg. The knee with this model is perfectly protected from any impacts and from any falls, and you begin to feel somehow more ready to play defense. The filling here is also quite dense, but the inside of the knee pad is softer than the version from Mizuno, so it does not begin to put so much unpleasant pressure on different parts of the knee. Needless to say, the protective material is divided into sections that can bend and rotate against each other to better fit your foot!

4) A purely amateur option - a knee pad from a previously unknown to me company, McDavid. But for an amateur this is a very good option. The knee pad pad, although it consists of one section and does not hug the knee (and as a result, does not protect the sides of the knee), is noticeably thicker than on my previous amateur Asics model. Therefore, nothing will stop you from landing on your knees in this model and sliding further in them. That is, they protect the knees from a frontal collision with the floor no worse than the already mentioned professional models.

5) Well, the last - the easiest option - is to start playing without knee pads. In general, if you do not play very actively, then you can stick to this option, since, probably, nothing threatens you. By and large, nothing threatens the knees during a classic fall with the chest forward with softening by the hands: the knees in this case touch the ground (if this happens at all) last. And there are some disadvantages in playing with knee pads: firstly, they will in any case hinder your movements and “steal” centimeters of your jump, and secondly, playing in the same Mikasa MT-6 is very hot on the knees. After just four games wearing these knee pads, your legs will feel like they came out of a bathhouse! So this is not an acquired taste.
I understand when diagonal or central players play without knee pads. The finishing players look a little more strange without knee pads - such players are worth keeping an eye on, they are probably underperforming in defense. But again, this is a matter of personal preference and, above all, habit.
But volleyball players playing in the libero position look very strange without knee pads. It's almost the same as a boxer without a mouthguard. After all, playing without knee pads for them means constantly being afraid of a painful blow and being overly insured. This underlying fear will one way or another hinder their play; they will involuntarily be wary and not play at 100% of their capabilities. Whereas playing with knee pads gradually weans you from such fear and gives you freedom.