Soccer is a sport that has been played for centuries. It is rapidly growing in popularity worldwide and becoming more popular here in the United States as well. Soccer players are constantly running up and down the field, leading to some uncomfortable moments if they happen to take a knee or fall on their groin area. Participants in high-contact sports like hockey and rugby wear protective cups, but do soccer players wear protective cups?
What Are Protective Cups In Sports?
Protective Cups are used to protect the genitals of a male or female soccer player during match play. It can be worn by anyone who participates in high-contact sports like rugby and hockey as well.
The protective cup is also known as a jockstrap, athletic supporter, or pelvic protector. It’s worn in the groin area underneath one’s clothing to protect sensitive areas from an injury that may occur during contact sports. These cups are usually made of soft yet firm foam material and have an adjustable waistband for a comfortable fit. Both males and females can wear them.
Protective cups are made of a soft, pliable material that allows for a comfortable fit, even during strenuous exercise. The cup is typically held in place by an adjustable flaccid or semi-rigid strap which can be attached to the waistband on one end, with the other end passing between the legs and attached to the bottom of the cup.
The male athletic supporter, also known as a jockstrap, is usually made out of cotton/polyester blend material with elastic straps which wrap around one’s waist and legs for comfort and support. This type of protective gear is typically designed so that it looks like an athletic supporter for men.
This item can be worn by both males and females, especially in sports like rugby, hockey, football, or boxing, where heavy contact is made to the pelvis region. It protects one’s genitals from an injury that could occur during high-contact play with another player.
There are two types of cups that men wear to protect their genitals. The first is the jockstrap, which consists of a waistband with attached suspenders for holding up athletic shorts and a cup pouch where the protective cup fits into. The other type is called compression shorts or, more commonly, “jockeys.” In this case, there is no attached pouch, but rather the cup fits into a pocket in front of it.
Do Soccer Players Wear Cups?
Soccer players do not wear cups, but they often will use a jockstrap. This is because the cup does less to protect their groin area since it hangs below with nothing protecting them from getting hit in that region.
The most important thing for male soccer players to consider when selecting what equipment to use is the cup’s protective qualities and how it fits with the jockstrap. If they combine these two items, most of their essential areas will be protected from impact injuries like a hard shot to the groin or thigh.
Soccer players do not wear cups, but they often will use a jockstrap. This is because the cup does less to protect their groin area since it hangs below with nothing protecting them from getting hit hard in that region.
The most important thing for male soccer players to consider when selecting what equipment to use is the cup’s protective qualities and how it fits with the jockstrap. If they combine these two items, then most of their essential areas will be protected from impact.
Do Soccer Goalkeepers Wear Protective Cups?
Soccer goalkeepers are more likely than field players to wear cups since they are the only player on the team who spends all their time driving around. Since this position is so strenuous for an average person, most people buy a cup during their career as a goalkeeper.
On top of that, one has to consider if it would help them or not. A cup would help, but it is pretty uncomfortable to wear one since they are made of hard plastic without any cushioning. Because of this, players who have tried wearing cups usually don’t do it again for the rest of their career – even if they think that a cup could protect them from injury in some cases.
Many people think that the cup has a slight chance of actually protecting them from injury, and because of this, most players don’t wear one. There are also concerns that having a protective cup will limit their movement.
Do Female Soccer Players Wear Cups?
Generally, female players don’t wear cups, but there are those that do. It is a matter of personal preference. Sometimes they will wear two so that there is extra protection and padding for their groin area. This helps to protect them from injury during a game or practice.
There is special unisex underwear with pockets that can be worn underneath the uniform shorts or pants. This helps to protect them from injury during a game or practice. Cups also need to be sized for every player to avoid discomfort and stay in place.
Many different cups can get very expensive, but the cost may be worth it if you have an injury or condition. There are even special cup inserts made out of silicone gel which protect while also being comfortable.
Why Don’t Soccer Players Wear Cups?
Soccer players do not wear cups because of the design and feel. A hard surface on their groins would be uncomfortable for them to play with throughout the game, so they choose not to. Additionally, it is difficult for players to keep track of a cup when running around in tight or small spaces within the pitch during physical soccer play.
Some players wear jockstraps instead of cups because they are designed similarly, but these do not always provide adequate protection. Soccer players also have concerns about the cup breaking or being too bulky under their uniforms. Many soccer uniforms are tight-fitting, which can cause discomfort if a cup is worn underneath them for an extended period during the game.
Soccer is a sport that requires a lot of running, which may cause discomfort. The prospect of wearing a cup on their lower half and running around for hours on end is something most players dread, so they don’t do it. Soccer players also have a lot of freedom to move their hips and legs.
When running around, the cup can rub against them or cause discomfort if it is too tight. This inhibits mobility during play which may reduce performance levels on the field. They typically choose not to wear cups due to these factors as well as overall comfort preferences.
How Can Soccer Players Protect Themselves When Playing?
Soccer players don’t use protective cups to protect their groin area. Here are tips to stay protected from getting hit by the ball:
- Avoid contact with a ball in flight or at high speed since this can lead to injury.
- Use your feet and not your head to control the ball. This reduces the risk of groin injuries from a direct hit by a fast-moving soccer ball.
- Use the inside of your foot to kick the ball, so you don’t have to use any body part below the waist
- Bend or lean away from where you are trying to hit the ball. This will keep it off-center and lower down on the leg.
- Stay on the ground after a kick with your groin area. This will help you see where the ball is going and protect your leg from other players trying to hit it.
- Use shin guards because they can prevent knee injuries, which often happen during soccer games when another player’s cleats make contact with the front
- Have a goalie protect you when in goal. That way, you don’t have to worry about being kicked from behind or at least can anticipate where the kicks will be coming from.
- Don’t let your opponent get close enough for a kick unless necessary and they are within range of making contact with the ball.
- If you do get kicked, immediately stop playing and let the referee know.
Conclusion
The truth about soccer and cups is that most players don’t wear a cup, but they should. If you’re unsure what protective cups are or why soccer players might not be wearing them, we have the answer for you. Protective gear in sports isn’t always as necessary as it seems.
Given how fragile your nether regions can be when kicking around on the field, it’s worth considering whether or not this precautionary measure could help keep you safe. Protective soccer gear can help reduce the chances of getting injured when playing, but it is important to note that these safety measures won’t prevent all injuries from happening.
We hope our blog post has given you some helpful insight into whether soccer players wear cups and other ways for avoiding injuries while playing sports.
