Lineman Gear Guide · Upper-Body Pads · Picked by Coach Jay Freeman
The Best Back Plates for Linemen
A back plate is the cheap, easy add that protects the lower spine and kidneys a lineman exposes every time he bends to block. Most linemen should be wearing one.
When a lineman fires out of his stance and bends at the waist to block, the lower back and kidneys are exposed and unprotected by the shoulder pads. A back plate clips to the bottom-rear of the shoulder pads and covers that gap — guarding the lumbar spine and kidneys from the helmet and forearm shots that come from behind and below in the pile.
It is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost protective add-ons in football, and the trench is exactly where it earns its keep. Linemen are bent over and getting hit from behind more than any position on the field.
Back plates come in different drops (how far down they hang) and attach with standard snap or strap hardware to most shoulder pads. Bigger players and those who want more coverage go with a longer back plate; just confirm it fits your pad’s attachment points.
What to look for in lineman back plate
- Coverage / drop lengthLonger plates cover more of the lumbar spine. Linemen, who bend and get hit from behind, generally want more coverage than skill players.
- Universal attachmentMost plates snap or strap to standard shoulder-pad hardware. Confirm it matches your pads (Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, etc.).
- Stiff enough to protect, contoured to fitA good plate is rigid enough to disperse a hit but contoured so it doesn’t dig in when you bend.
- Secure, no-flap fitA back plate that flaps around rides up and exposes the gap. Strap it snug so it stays put through 60 snaps.
O-line vs. D-line
Offensive line
Offensive linemen bend and drive on run blocks with the back fully exposed to backside pursuit and pile contact. A longer-drop back plate is close to standard equipment for the run-game positions.
Defensive line
Defensive linemen take backside cut and pile contact too, especially interior players getting double-teamed and driven. The back plate is just as worthwhile on the D-line.
The picks — 3 lineman back plate
- ★ Coach Jay’s PickSchuttBudget
Schutt Varsity Back Plate
Universal varsity back plate with ventilated high-density EVA and vent holes; attaches to all Schutt pads and most competitor pads. Affordable and easy to install.
Why: Reviewers call it affordable and easy to mount, though some note 250–300 lb linemen may want a thicker plate.
View on Amazon → - RiddellMid
Riddell Premium Back Plate
Varsity/JV-sized back plate with single-post mounting that fits all Riddell non-RipKord shoulder pads and ships with hardware. The clean brand-matched option.
Why: Recommended as the best-fitting plate for Riddell pad users since brand-matched plates mount cleanest.
View on Amazon → - Shock DoctorMid
Shock Doctor Showtime Back Plate
Universal-fit back plate with a low-profile look and feel; a popular aftermarket pick for players who want a styled plate that attaches to most pads.
Why: Surfaces as a frequently bought universal back plate for players wanting a custom look that still fits across brands.
View on Amazon →
See the full loadout by level: High School · Pro / College
Common questions about lineman back plate
- What does a football back plate do?
- A back plate clips to the bottom-rear of the shoulder pads and covers the lower back and kidneys — the area left exposed when a player bends forward. For linemen, who fire out and bend at the waist to block, it guards the lumbar spine and kidneys from helmet and forearm contact that comes from behind and below in the pile.
- Do linemen need a back plate?
- It is one of the highest-value, lowest-cost protective add-ons for the position. Linemen spend the most time bent over and exposed to backside contact of anyone on the field, so most line coaches recommend a back plate. It is not mandatory, but the protection-per-dollar is hard to beat.
- How does a back plate attach to shoulder pads?
- Back plates attach with standard snap or strap hardware to the bottom-rear attachment points on most shoulder pads. Before buying, confirm the plate is compatible with your specific pad brand and model (Riddell, Schutt, Xenith, and others differ slightly) so it clips in securely and does not flap.
- What size back plate should a lineman get?
- Back plates come in different drops — how far down they hang. Bigger players and linemen who want maximum lumbar coverage choose a longer drop; just make sure the attachment points line up with your shoulder pads. The plate should sit snug with no flapping so it does not ride up and re-expose the gap.
- Is a back plate worth it for youth linemen?
- Yes. Young linemen are still learning to bend and block with proper form, which means more time with the lower back exposed. A correctly fitted back plate is inexpensive insurance for the kidneys and lower spine, and youth-sized plates are widely available.