Skating and Volleyball are 2 different activities, but there are few similarities between them! One of those limited similarities is related to the possibility to get your knees hurt!
That’s why many people (usually involved in both activities) are asking and wondering whether it is possible to use specific volleyball knee pads for skating.
Indeed, Volleyball pads can be used for skating. But while they may help absorb some of the shocks and bumps especially those with limited impacts, they will not offer enough protection for some of the brutal impacts that can happen while skating.
In this article, I explain the difference between knee pads used for both activities as well as the cases where you might consider cross-using a knee pad from volleyball to skating and vice versa!
When can you wear volleyball knee pads for skating?
As I’ve just mentioned, volleyball pads are mainly designed for short impacts whereas skate pads are manufactured to not only help absorb impacts but allow for sliding across surfaces, which happens often when falling.
For beginners this might not matter that much! But for those who are planning to skate fast, or have a fear of falling, the recommendation is to invest in a real pair of skate pads (Check this Example Here).
Tip: One test that experts suggest is to jump up and down wearing knee pads on a concrete surface. If they slip or fall off, they are unlikely to afford the protection needed for an activity like skating!
Skill level and intensity are critical factors when considering which knee pads to wear for skating- the more seriously the sport is practiced, the more specialised the equipment should be used.
Volleyball knee pads features you should know …
Volleyball knee pads generally include some type of thick, shock absorbing padding, held together with fabric.
The sport places a lot of strain on the knees, and padding helps provide protection against injury, bot short-and long-term, and also helps provide some reassurance that there is no risk of getting hurt!
The padding is the most important part of any knee pad and this may be made of: Memory foam – polyurethane with added chemicals to increase density and viscosity – or high density foam that is capable of moulding itself to the body.
The padding should not only provide stability but it needs to be comfortable as well – player will move a lot during a game, so that must have something that fits well, and does not rub or cut off the circulation.
The second main element of a knee pad is the fabric used!
Different materials may be used in their manufacture, ranging from mesh shells, cotton shells, and other types of shells. It is important to remember that the fabric is the part that will be in contact with the skin throughout a match, so it should be chosen as far as it doesn’t cause any irritation!
Quick Recommendation: There are some high quality volley knee pads available in the market. But the one I recommend the most based on the criteria I’ve just mentioned is this quality knee pad. It could also be cross-used for other sports and activities.
One thing that should be stressed is the need for knee pads to be of the right size. There are three areas that should be considered when measuring the circumference of the knee properly –
- The area immediately above the knee on which the pad will rest
- The middle part of the knee
- And the lower leg where the bottom of the pad will sit
How skating knee pads should be?
If anything, knee damage is an even more common injury in skating than it is in volleyball, and this is especially the case for those skating large ramps or downhill.
Knee pads specially designed for this sport are made of stretchy cloth material that attaches around the back of the knee with Velcro, typically with two straps, one above and the other below the knee.
The cap of the knee pad, where the majority of the impacts occur, will feature either foam or a hard plastic shell.
They are typically sold as a pair, but many manufacturers also sell them in combo pads with other accessories like elbow pads and wrist pads (Like this One)
In addition, skating knee pads will often feature compression fabrics which are designed to keep the wearer dry and comfortable by absorbing moisture, and some are designed with two panels at the front in order to maximise ventilation.
And they are often come with a waterproof pad as well that helps seal out water.
One feature of skating knee pads is that a number are made using advanced composite materials. These are designed in such a way that they harden on impact, dispersing the energy of nay blow. After the impact, the pads will return to their natural state.
Others offer hinge-like flexibility providing the skater with uninhibited freedom of movement.
Like volleyball pads it is important to invest in a pair that fit properly, not too tight that they are uncomfortable, or so loose that they may slip or become dislodged during a fall.
Can you wear volleyball knee sleeves for skating?
Volleyball requires a lot of dynamic movement, leaving the joints susceptible to strains and injury. The knees take a lot of punishment during a game as a player lunges, jumps, blocks, serves, and moves from one side to another quickly during the average game.
To help mitigate these strains, knee sleeves both help reduce pain and helps increase blood flow to painful areas. They are not technically braces, but they are the most common form of knee support used, and are designed to provide compression around the knee.
While knee sleeves might be a better alternative than knee braces for skating, because they are not so clumsy, they will offer little protection against the hard impacts of a full, because they offer little in the way of shock absorption.
This is particularly the case with older and heavier skaters who really knee bespoke protection in the knee areas, or they could end up with a serious injury.
Where knee sleeves can make a difference in skating is when they are worn under knee pads because they can make them fit better and move around less.
Some skaters prefer not to wear anything around the knee area anyway, because it believes that it interferes with their movement.
You can learn other more about other gear you can wear for volleyball practice sessions!
Can you wear volleyball knee braces for skating?
Due to the risk that volleyball poses to the knees, with its constant sprinting, jumping, and landing, a range of knee braces has been developed to provide some protection to his vital part of the body.
They are intended to protect the knee joint, support it when jumping, and also help manage existing pain, regardless of its cause. The brace should sit firmly on the knee.
Braces can be made from a combination of materials – metal, foam, plastic, or elastic material and straps.
However, there benefits are questionable. While some experts recommend wearing a knee brace as a way of alleviating pain, some argue that they do more harm than good, and the scientific evidence is so far inconclusive.
While volleyball knee braces could be worn by skaters who are struggling with existing injuries and pain, they are not going to offer much protection in the event of a fall.
In part this may be due to their design – many braces are open at the knee cap to allow for ventilation, and this is the very area in which skaters need the most protection.
Others may consist of just thin strips of material, which do not protect the whole knee area at all.
And those braces made of metal or plastic may constrict movement, and may be uncomfortable to wear anyway.
One more thing, I really think you should have a look at these helpful tips to choose your volleyball knee pads!
What about knee pads for kids?
Kids are less susceptible to injury when playing volleyball because their joints and limbs are naturally supple.
However, for skating there must always be a consideration for the risks involved!
Indeed, skating always take place on a hard surface, such as concrete or a rink, a fall may mean some heavy bruising at the very least.
And, while some kids may not want to wear protection, arguing that it is for “babies” it is for the adult to take the sensible decision and to insist on them if they think it is necessary.
However, when choosing knee pads for children, it is important that the right size is chosen, that adds proper protection to the knee area.
Parents also need to remember that children grow, and what was a good fit six months ago, may be too small now, That means knee pads, sleeves and braces need to be regularly checked to make sure that the support provides still fits properly.
Finally, I highly invite you to learn about volleyball knee pads composition to make sure your kid havn’t an allergy to any of the use material!
How tight should knee pads be for both volleyball and skating?
The general rule in skating about all equipment is that it should be close fitting, but that it should stretch and mould to the contours of the body. They should squeeze without being so tight that the circulation is cut off.
As a rule of thumb, it is important that pads should not restrict the range of motion, because they will be uncomfortable, and limit the ability to bend at the knee.
The same advice holds good for volleyball knee pads as well …
They should feel snug but not tight. They should fit in such a way that they should not be prone to slippage when diving around the court, but at the same time the circulation should not be affected and they need to comfortable enough to be worn for an entire game.
Helpful Tip: Always try to buy a pair of knee pads that are one size below the recommended one. This is because pads tend to stretch over time, so it is good to have a pair that is ready for future use.
You can also learn whether you should use volleyball knee pads for a sport like wrestling!
Final Thoughts …
I believe that this article has covered all the information you need to know about knee pads for both activities (or at least I hope so)!
The most important thing is your safety. Always choose the right equipment that will be favourable for your own safety.
Hope that was helpful!
Finally, I’ve put together this interesting article about cleaning volleyball knee pads! I think you will find it helpful …