Top 28 Football Back Plates: Stay Safe and Play Strong

The right football back plate can significantly enhance both your comfort and performance during gameplay. Our carefully selected back plates offer superior support, moisture-wicking properties, and ergonomic designs to keep you playing at your best, no matter the conditions.

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Reviews

Douglas Custom Pro CP Series Football Back Plate

This removable back plate offers customizable protection with adjustable grommets, providing just the right amount of support for football players. At 6 inches tall, it strikes a balance between comfort and safety, with several users praising its lightweight design and responsive padding that doesn't interfere with gameplay. The plate has proven itself on the field, with players reporting improved confidence during tackles and jumps.

Nxtrnd Football Back Plate

These next-gen back plates combine ultralight Nxt-foam with a sleek curve that hugs your lower back, reducing bulk while increasing protection. The ventilated design keeps you cool during intense plays, and at just 10 inches wide, it's surprisingly comfortable for its protective capabilities. The included hardware makes it simple to swap out your old plates, whether you're fitting an adult or youth shoulder pad.

Shock Doctor Showtime Back Plate

Showtime back plate delivers premium protection with its dual-layer construction and side/back impact savers. The ventilated design keeps players cool during intense games, while the universal fit system works with most shoulder pads.

Shock Doctor Showtime Back Plate

Made for grown-up football players, this back plate helps you stay cool while playing. It fits most shoulder pads and keeps you comfy thanks to its special ventilation design. The foam inside makes it super safe and comfy to wear.

Battle Sports Clown Chrome Football Back Plate

The Battle Sports Clown Chrome back plate adds both protection and a touch of humor to your football gear. At just over 11 inches long and 11 inches wide, it's curved design fits smoothly between your shoulder pads while dispersing impact energy effectively. The chrome finish and clown graphic make it stand out on the field, though you might want to watch out for opposing players who might be surprised by your unexpected dash down the sideline.

Battle Texas Flag Chrome Youth Football Back Plate

This solid youth back plate features a Texas flag design with chrome accents and measures just over 9 inches wide and 5.75 inches tall. The high-impact foam interior disperses energy effectively, while the curved design provides excellent protection for both young football players and weekend warriors. The universal fit design includes hardware for quick installation.

Soldier Sports x adidas Mismatch Football Back Plate

This football back plate combines durable protection with a distinctive design, featuring the adidas logo and Soldier Sports branding. The impact-absorbing foam interior and adjustable straps deliver a secure fit, while the hard shell construction provides reliable defense against game-day impacts. Perfect for players who want to showcase their style while staying protected on the field.

Battle Sports Football Back Plate

Combining a high-impact foam interior with a curved design that maximizes energy dispersion, the Battle Sports youth back plate delivers top-notch protection without compromising comfort. The universal fit design works brilliantly for players under 5'4" and less than 100 lbs. , though some users have noted it could be slightly smaller than expected for taller kids. With solid construction that's held up well in real game situations, this black back plate has earned high praise from satisfied users who appreciate its reliable protection and stylish appearance.

Shock Doctor Showtime Football Back Plate

The Showtime Back Plate combines impressive protection with a distinctive design featuring aggressive ventilation channels that keep you cool during intense games. At just 100% PE with 100% EVA foam construction, it's surprisingly lightweight and responsive against your back. While it works great with most standard shoulder pads, some users might need to check compatibility before buying.

Battle Sports Krazy Klown Chrome Football Back Plate

Combining a high-gloss chrome finish with a comic book-style clown design, this back plate draws attention while protecting the lower back and blind side areas. At 11 inches by 11 inches, the impact-absorbing foam interior and curved design provide both style and functionality for adult football players.

Battle Sports Nightmare Chrome Football Back Plate

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Made for football players of all levels, this back plate absorbs hits with its soft foam core and curves that spread out impact like a professional's padding would. At just under 11 inches long and 2 inches tall, it fits snuggly thanks to included straps. Its gold finish looks tough on the field, while staying surprisingly comfy during gameplay.

Schutt Sports Youth Ventilated Football Back Plate

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This breathable back plate offers excellent protection with its ventilated EVA foam core, fitting securely to any youth shoulder pad using included hardware. While some users report minor fitting issues due to hole placement, the high-density foam provides reliable support and helps prevent injury. The majority of reviewers praise its effectiveness and durability, with many noting their children love the stylish design and enhanced comfort during play.

Douglas Football Youth JP Series Removable Back Plate

This removable back plate offers essential protection with its dense foam core and hard plastic covering. The adjustable grommets allow precise positioning, while its one-size-fits-most design makes it suitable for junior football players. Players appreciate its effectiveness in both defensive and offensive situations.

Under Armour Kids' Gameday Armour Backplate

The backplate features a pull-on closure for easy wear and houses protective inserts for the lower back, kidneys, and spine. Ventilated air channels offer targeted breathability in high-stress areas, while the durable construction stands up to the rigors of gameplay. The hardware components plug directly into the team's uniform system, streamlining game-day preparation.

Xenith Elite Back Plate

At just over 11 inches wide and 12 inches long, the back plate provides a good balance of protection without adding excessive bulk. The adjustable nylon straps make it easy to get the right fit, though users might want to look into getting a threadlocker for the bolts since a few mentioned the original ones came loose during use.

Battle Sports Speed Freak Football Back Plate

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This football back plate combines stylish curves with high-impact foam protection, giving you both coverage and comfort during gameplay. At 11.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches tall, it offers the right balance of protection without feeling cumbersome. The universal fit and included hardware make it a versatile addition to your uniform.

Battle Beware of Dog Red Chrome Football Back Plate

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Crafted from durable materials with a sleek chrome finish, this football back plate protects your lower back and blind side while adding a stylish touch to your gear. The high-impact foam interior and contoured design provide exceptional comfort during even the most intense plays. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned player, it's worth the effort to attach securely to your shoulder pads.

Football Back Plate

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This football back plate combines exceptional comfort with top-tier protection through its custom-molded WBS-Foam padding and curvy design. At just the right weight thanks to its vented shell construction, it keeps you cool during play while reducing the overall bulk of your shoulder pads. The universal fit works with all common shoulder pad brands, making it a practical addition to any player's equipment.

Adidas Chrome Football Back Plate

Combining impact-absorbing foam with a breathable shell, the Adidas back plate provides excellent protection without compromising on ventilation. The universal design fits most shoulder pads, with two adjustable straps for a customized fit. The lightweight construction keeps you comfortable during intense play, while the detachable plate makes cleaning simple.

Battle Sports Benjamin Chrome Adult Football Back Plate

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Made for gridiron warriors, these padded protectors wrap around your kidneys like a Benjamin Franklin hug. The curved design helps the protection glide smoothly during your dash for the end zone, while the adjustable straps keep them in place for the big game.

Battle Sports Football Back Plate

When you're taking a hit in football, you want something to protect your back – that's where this back plate comes in. It's got a comfy foam interior and a curved design that helps spread out the impact, so you're not just taking the brunt of the hit in one spot. The best part? It works with pretty much any kind of shoulder pad out there.

Battle Sports Football Back Plate

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The Battle Sports Beware of Dog football back plate lives up to its name with its brightly colored design. Unlike standard plates, this one features a curved shape that follows the body's contours for better protection and energy dispersal. At just the right size for younger players but offering ample back coverage, it's a solid choice that's earned high praise from users who appreciate its tailbone protection and cool factor.

Douglas D2 Backplate

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The Douglas D2 backplate offers essential protection for football players, particularly running backs. Measuring a modest 4 inches in size, it attaches to both Douglas shoulder pads and most other brands, providing crucial spine, kidney, and lower back defense against heavy hits. The adjustable grommet holes make it easy to position just right.

Battle Sports Football Back Plate

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The curved design of the Battle Sports back plate helps disperse impact away from your back, with strong straps keeping it securely in place during tackles. It's more protective than flat plates while staying comfortable enough for regular wear. Whether you're a freshman or high school player, this black back plate delivers reliable protection for your football gear.

UV Reactive Football Back Plate

When you're playing football and you need serious protection, these back plates are the real deal. They've got that cool UV reactive glow that changes colors in the sun, which is pretty rad. The foam interior does a great job of absorbing impact, and the curved design means you're well-protected without feeling too bulky. They work great for both adults and younger players, giving you that crucial extra layer of defense in all the right places.

Riddell Football Universal Back Plate

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This back plate offers solid protection that bolts directly to your shoulder pads, giving your lower back that extra support you need during practices and games. Coming in at just under 12 inches wide and 5.5 inches tall, it's designed with a universal fit that works with most shoulder pad systems. The package includes all the necessary hardware to get your setup complete and ready for action.

Battle Sports Cash Money Football Back Plate

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These chrome back plates add a stylish touch to your football equipment while providing crucial protection for your lower back and blind side areas. Standing 2 inches tall and measuring 11 inches by 11 inches, the metal plates clip easily onto your pads. New customers particularly love how quickly their orders arrive and how well the plates match their existing gear.

Battle Sports Adult Crime Scene Chrome Football Back Plate

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At 11 inches by 11 inches, this curved back plate provides superior impact dispersion compared to flat designs. The 2-inch height and 2-inch width offer ample protection while allowing for flexibility during gameplay. Users love the quality and sleek design, though some may have to wait for delivery.

Buyer's Guide

A football back plate, also known as a back plate or plate kit, is a crucial accessory that holds your football's bladder in place and protects the stitching. Understanding the key aspects of back plates will help you choose the right one for your ball, whether you're playing casual games or competing at a higher level.

Material and Quality

The material and construction quality directly impact performance and durability. Common materials include leather, synthetic leather, and rubber. Premium leather plates offer excellent grip and feel but require more maintenance. Synthetic options provide durability and water resistance at a lower cost. The stitching and plate construction should be robust to withstand repeated use.

Size and Fit

Back plates come in various sizes and designs to fit different ball types and preference styles. Standard sizes typically range from 10 to 12 millimeters in diameter. Measure your current ball's bladder size or consult the manufacturer's specifications to ensure a proper fit. A well-fitted plate prevents leaks and maintains ball pressure.

Customization and Accessories

Many back plates offer customization options through interchangeable designs or color schemes. Consider whether you prefer a minimalistic design or a more decorative style. Additionally, some kits include protective covers or maintenance tools that can extend the life of your plate and ball.

Care and Maintenance

To maintain optimal performance and durability, regularly clean your back plate with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh chemicals. Allow it to air dry completely before use. Consider using a conditioning cream for leather plates to prevent drying and cracking. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your back plate and ball.

FAQ

What is a football back plate?

A football back plate is an essential piece of protective equipment designed to secure and protect the quarterback's shoulder pads. It attaches to the back of the shoulder pad and connects to the padding system, providing additional support and stability during collisions.

Back plates come in various sizes and materials, with the most common options being plastic and steel reinforced plates. They range from 14 to 18 inches in length and are typically 1.5 to 2 inches thick.

How do you install a football back plate?

The installation process varies slightly between manufacturers, but generally involves the following steps:

1. Clean and dry the back of the shoulder pad

2. Apply padding glue to the back plate's mounting points

3. Align the plate with the pad's attachment points

4. Press firmly and hold for several seconds

5. Allow adequate time for the glue to cure before use

Some modern shoulder pads feature a screw-mount system that allows for easier installation and adjustment of the back plate.

What materials are back plates made from?

The primary materials used in football back plates are:

1. High-density plastic: Provides excellent impact absorption and durability

2. Steel reinforcement: Adds extra strength and protection against severe impacts

3. Composite materials: Combines plastic and metal elements for enhanced performance

Some manufacturers also offer customizable plates with interchangeable sections for targeted protection.

How do you measure for a football back plate?

To measure for a back plate, follow these steps:

1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart

2. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure from the bottom of your shoulder blade to your lower back

3. Add 1-2 inches to account for the plate's thickness and additional padding

Consider having a professional measure you if possible, as proper fit is crucial for effective protection.

What sizes are available for football back plates?

Most football back plates come in the following standard sizes:

1. Small (14-16 inches)

2. Medium (16-18 inches)

3. Large (18-20 inches)

Some manufacturers offer custom sizing options or additional increments between standard sizes.

How do you maintain a football back plate?

Proper maintenance ensures your back plate remains effective and lasts longer:

1. Clean regularly with mild soap and water

2. Check for any cracks or damage before each use

3. Replace the plate if the padding becomes compressed or damaged

4. Store in a dry place when not in use

Professional cleaning products can remove stubborn dirt and sweat buildup, but avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the material.

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