How to Properly Fit an American Football Head for Maximum Safety and Performance
Alright, let’s get straight into it. Over the years, whether I was coaching youth leagues or talking equipment with college players, one question keeps coming up more than any other: “How do I make sure this helmet actually fits?” It’s not just about comfort—it’s the absolute foundation of safety and how you play the game. A poorly fitted helmet is a liability, period. Today, I’m breaking down the entire process, step-by-step, because getting this right is non-negotiable. Think of this as your guide on how to properly fit an American football head for maximum safety and performance.
Why is a proper helmet fit so critical, beyond the obvious safety reasons?
Look, we all know helmets prevent skull fractures. But a proper fit does so much more. It stabilizes the head, reducing the violent “snap” on impact that causes concussions. From a performance standpoint, if your helmet is shifting or wobbling, you’re distracted. You’re thinking about the equipment, not the play. I’ve seen players miss tackles or drop passes because they were subconsciously adjusting their helmet after every snap. A secure fit means your head is a stable platform. Your vision is clear, your hearing is less muffled, and you can focus entirely on the field. It becomes part of you, not something you’re wearing.
What’s the very first step before even trying a helmet on?
This might sound overly simple, but you’d be shocked how many skip it: Accurate measurement. Use a soft tailor’s tape and measure the circumference of your head, about one inch above the eyebrows. Don’t guess. Most adult heads fall between 21.5 and 24.5 inches. Manufacturers have sizing charts for a reason—use them. This isn’t like buying a hat where you can “size down” for a snug look. We’re talking about precise engineering here. Start with the right shell size based on your measurement. Trying to force a Medium shell onto a Large head is the first and biggest mistake.
Okay, I’ve got the right shell size. What does the actual fitting process feel like?
This is where it gets hands-on. When you first put the helmet on, without snapping the chinstrap, it should feel tight. Not painful, but a firm, even pressure all around your skull—forehead, temples, back of the head. There should be no “hot spots” or points of sharp pressure. Now, here’s my favorite test: try to rotate the helmet side-to-side and front-to-back using the facemask as a grip. If the skin on your forehead and cheeks moves with the helmet, that’s a great sign. If the helmet slides over your skin, it’s too loose. The fit needs to be so integrated that, as one veteran equipment manager told me, “Your head should feel suction-cupped in there.”
How do the cheek pads and jaw pads factor into this?
They’re the unsung heroes of the fit! The main shell secures the cranium, but the interior padding system—especially the cheek and jaw pads—stabilizes everything below. After the shell is on, the cheek pads should make full contact with your face without gaping. When you snap the chinstrap, it should sit comfortably in the center of your chin, not riding up toward your neck or digging into your jaw. You should be able to open your mouth to yell calls and breathe deeply without restriction, but when you clench your teeth, you should feel the pads engage. This is crucial for energy dissipation. A quote from a player recently resonated with me on this idea of everything working together. After returning from an injury, he said, “So to come back in Game 2 to help my team win there and then help my team win (in Game 3), it feels really good.” That feeling of contributing, of being an effective part of the unit, only happens when every component is functioning. Your helmet is a unit. The shell, the pads, the straps—all have to work in concert for you to perform with confidence and security.
What about the chinstrap? Is there a right way to fasten it?
Absolutely, and it’s not just about snapping four points. The straps should form a “Y” or “V” shape around each ear, keeping the helmet centered. They need to be tightened evenly. A common error is cranking down the front straps and leaving the back ones loose, which tilts the helmet and exposes the forehead. Tighten them incrementally, alternating sides, until there’s no slack but you’re not cutting off circulation. A good rule of thumb: you should be able to fit only one finger between the strap and your chin. After it’s fastened, repeat the rotation test. If the helmet moves independently of your head now, the strap isn’t doing its job.
How often should I reassess the fit?
Constantly. Seriously. Not just once a season. Helmet liners and pads compress over time—typically about 10-15% after the first 40-50 hours of use. Your weight and muscle mass in your neck and jaw can change. I recommend a formal check at least once a month during the season, and always after any significant impact. Before every game or practice, do a quick personal check: strap fit, padding contact, overall stability. This proactive habit is part of the job. It’s like a quarterback checking his receiver’s routes; it’s fundamental maintenance. Ignoring it is how gaps in performance and safety open up.
Any final, non-negotiable tips from your experience?
Two things. First, never modify the interior padding yourself by cutting or removing pieces to “make it fit.” You’re compromising the safety system designed by engineers. If the fit isn’t right, work with a certified fitter or try different pad sizes. Second, understand that how to properly fit an American football head for maximum safety and performance is a skill as important as learning your stance. It takes time and attention. It’s personal. The best players I’ve worked with are meticulous about their gear. They know that their ability to execute on the field, to be the player who can come back and help their team win, starts with the foundation. It starts with a helmet that fits not just well, but perfectly. Because when you’re not worried about your gear, you can focus on what really matters: the game.