We received a question from reader John Ferguson about the difference between half-pads and full-pads practices: "I understand what that means in terms of equipment, but how does that effect the level of contact in the practice? How do half pads practices differ from full pads or helmets only?"
In reality, the discrepancy between the half- and full-pads is minimal. Regardless of whether the Trojans are in just shoulder pads or in full gear, pads are popping and hits are flying. The only noticeable difference is that players only cut block when they're in full-pads, meaning half-pads saves the legs from taking a pounding. But in either dress, players are discouraged from tackling during practice, as coaches always tell them to "stay up."
Meanwhile, "helmets only" practices see very little contact, as those workouts emphasize speed and precision over brute strength.
In reality, the discrepancy between the half- and full-pads is minimal. Regardless of whether the Trojans are in just shoulder pads or in full gear, pads are popping and hits are flying. The only noticeable difference is that players only cut block when they're in full-pads, meaning half-pads saves the legs from taking a pounding. But in either dress, players are discouraged from tackling during practice, as coaches always tell them to "stay up."
Meanwhile, "helmets only" practices see very little contact, as those workouts emphasize speed and precision over brute strength.
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