Shin guards are what protect the lower leg (with the development of technology, some shin guards can now protect the ankle as well), hence they are also called shin guards. Due to the high confrontational nature of soccer, it is very common for players to be kicked in the calf.

Physically speaking, shin guards protect players by distributing and cushioning the pressure and impulse applied to the calf. Shin guards are generally rigid plates that disperse the force exerted by the opponent's leg and shoe. In addition, the gap between the shin plate and the leg can play a cushioning role, and the flesh between the leg bone and the shin plate also has a cushioning effect to prevent fractures.　　

So what are the hazards of not wearing shin guards?

Players without shin guards, violence on the lower leg can occur when the tibia or fibula fracture, serious femur fracture of the thigh or knee cruciate ligament tears. Leg braces can reduce the incidence of lower leg fractures. In a tibial fracture, the lower extremity cannot bear the weight of the body and is therefore prone to fracture. The diagnosis of a fibula fracture, on the other hand, is relatively difficult because the fibula is a non-weight-bearing bone and the athlete can continue to play even if a fracture occurs. Because the fibula is a non-weight-bearing bone, it is subject to less stress and therefore takes longer to heal.

FIFA has made it mandatory for players to wear a leg brace when playing (see Chapter 4 of the soccer rules: soccer players must wear a leg brace made of plastic, rubber or similar material sufficient to provide some protection, and the leg brace must be completely covered by a soccer sock) in order to avoid fractures of the lower leg. The treatment of a fractured fibula in soccer players is not very different from other sports, but because of the high demands placed on the calf muscles themselves, it takes a relatively long time to fully recover enough to play soccer again.