When it comes to protecting the testicl*s in any sport it’s mostly about a groin cup covering your entire genital area, right? Sounds simple… But it’s not.
Here are five common experiences when choosing groin protection for your sport.
1. GETTING THE RIGHT GROIN CUP FOR YOUR SPORT.
Q: What does a baseball catcher, hockey player, and a martial artist all have in common?
A: They all need a groin cup designed for their particular sport.
A hockey player doesn’t bend over like a baseball catcher. A baseball catcher doesn’t do high kicks like in karate. So the cup shape, design, material, and support structure are all unique, and vital for protection. Make sure the protective cup works best for your sport.
2. CUP SIZE DOES MATTER.
Face it guys, we hear this often, but not so much with athletic cups.
Men and boys all have different sized bodies and genitals. Most jocks, cups, and compression shorts are sold by waist size. Great, so it fits around your waist. You’re protecting your testicl*s, not your waist!
Most leading groin protection cup manufacturers have multiple sizes including youth, teen, adult, etc. Some even have different sizes for adults, based on needs for a particular sport.
You should not get an “extra-large” groin cup unless you need that size based on your anatomy. And too small of an athletic cup is really a bad idea! It has to fit completely and securely around your entire groin area and keep the testicl*s from touching the cup. If it doesn’t… then you are likely to get some significant pain at some point, and maybe worse.
3. DON’T GO FOR CHEAP GROIN PROTECTION!
Would you wear a cheap helmet for hockey? NO, so why even think about cheap genital protection.
Both boys and men get excited when they start a sport, and they “jump in” without fully thinking about all their gear. A cheap cup is cheap for a reason. Many are poorly designed, made of poor quality material, and worst… don’t even fit the male body correctly. Don’t buy generic cheap groin cups. Most are terrible for running, kicking, and squatting in particular.
4. ALWAYS WEAR AN ATHLETIC GROIN CUP CORRECTLY.
A large number of men do not wear their athletic cups correctly. Surveys have shown that males of all ages get “sloppy” on wearing groin protection. A protective cup has to be completely over your entire groin area. If it moves, or worse, lets a testicl* slide out while squatting or doing a high kick, it’s more than useless. It is dangerous.
Make sure the product you purchase is high quality enough to hold the cup in place. Also, avoid “One-Size-Fits-All” products for all sports protection!
5. DO I ACTUALLY HAVE TO WEAR THE GROIN CUP
Wearing an athletic cup can really suck. They are not fun to wear and some are very uncomfortable. Surveys of male athletes have shown a sharp decline in groin cup usage in the last 30 years.
In some sports, such as American football, they are almost nonexistent now. There is a lack of consistency in protecting the most sensitive and important area for any man.
The most cited reasons are “not comfortable”, “not needed”, and “doesn’t work”. If you get the right genital protection product, none of these are issues.
The only day you need to wear a groin and pelvic cup is the day you are glad you were wearing it. Avoid serious pain and injury. Always wear it!
Watch and learn how you can change your game
Ben Thulen
Sports Injury Researcher, United States
SportsResearcher@pm.me
As a seasoned sports injury researcher with a focus on groin protection, I've delved into the intricacies of safeguarding the male genitalia during athletic activities. My expertise is rooted in extensive firsthand knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to effective groin protection. Let's dissect the concepts presented in the article:
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Tailored Groin Cups for Specific Sports: The article rightly emphasizes the importance of selecting a groin cup designed for the specific demands of your sport. Whether you're a baseball catcher, hockey player, or martial artist, each sport involves unique movements. The shape, design, material, and support structure of the groin cup should align with these specific requirements to ensure optimal protection.
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Significance of Cup Size: Contrary to the misconception that one size fits all, the article underscores the importance of choosing the right cup size. Men and boys come in various sizes, and groin protection should be based on anatomy rather than just waist size. Proper fit is crucial to prevent discomfort and, more importantly, to ensure that the cup completely and securely covers the entire groin area.
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Quality Over Cheap Alternatives: Drawing a parallel between the importance of quality helmets in hockey, the article stresses that groin protection is an area where one should not compromise on quality. Cheap groin cups are often poorly designed, made from inferior materials, and may not fit the male body correctly. Investing in a high-quality groin cup is essential for protection during activities like running, kicking, and squatting.
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Correct Application of Athletic Groin Cup: The article addresses the common issue of improper wear of athletic cups. It emphasizes the need for a protective cup to be securely positioned over the entire groin area. The cup must stay in place during movements, and the product's quality is crucial in ensuring that it doesn't shift or allow a testicl* to slide out, which could lead to injuries.
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Consistency in Wearing Groin Protection: Acknowledging the discomfort associated with wearing athletic cups, the article discusses the decline in usage over the years in various sports, such as American football. It counters this trend by emphasizing the importance of choosing the right product. If the groin protection is of high quality and tailored to the individual's needs, issues like discomfort, perceived unnecessary use, and ineffectiveness can be mitigated.
In conclusion, my expertise in sports injury research aligns with the key principles outlined in the article, emphasizing the importance of tailored, correctly-sized, high-quality groin protection for athletes across different sports. It's not just about wearing a cup; it's about wearing the right cup, worn correctly, to ensure maximum safety and prevent serious injuries to the groin area.
