Okay, so today I wanted to try something I saw Jack Grealish doing – wearing those super tiny shin guards. I’ve always seen him on the field with those barely-there things and wondered, “What’s the deal?” So, I grabbed a pair and gave it a go.
Finding the Right Size
First off, finding the right size was a bit of a guessing game. I used a size chart I found, and it basically said to match your height with the shin guard size. It seems the bigger you are, the longer and wider the shin guards get. They’re supposed to fit from just above your ankle bone, where your foot bends, up to a couple of inches below your knee.
Getting Them On
I slipped on my socks and then tried to position these tiny things on my shins. Honestly, they felt a bit ridiculous at first. Like, are these even going to protect me? They’re so small, I could barely even feel them there. I think someone once described these ones as being about the size of a train ticket – haha, spot on!
Playing with Them
Out on the field, it was a whole different experience. I did feel more, I don’t know, agile? Maybe it was just in my head, but I felt like I could move my legs quicker without those bulky shin guards. I guess that’s part of why Grealish does it, right? More freedom of movement.
But here’s the thing I noticed. Most of the nasty tackles, you know, the ones that really hurt, tend to hit you on the back of the calf. I remember hearing Grealish say something like that once. So, maybe having those huge shin guards up front isn’t always the most crucial thing.
My Verdict
After playing a full game with these mini shin guards, I get the appeal. They’re light, they let you move, and they still offer some protection where it matters most. I mean, I wouldn’t recommend them for a super rough game or if you’re just starting out. But if you’re looking for that extra bit of agility and you’re confident in your footwork, these tiny shin guards might just be worth a try.
Would I wear them all the time? Probably not. But it’s definitely an interesting option to have in the kit bag. You know, just to switch things up and see if it gives you that little edge on the field.
So, that’s my experience trying out the Jack Grealish shin guard style. It was fun, it was different, and it definitely made me think a bit more about what I really need when it comes to protection versus mobility on the soccer field.