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Should I wear a protective cup?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 14, 2026

Some men believe that they don't need to wear a protective cup when playing or competing, but the reality is that a protective cup is a necessary precaution if you want to protect yourself from the risk of permanent damage.

At what age should a boy wear a cup?

But once a boy hits age seven, or engages in more vigorous competition, he should wear one. “There are two types -- one providing support for comfort, and one adding a cup for more protection.

Does a cup protect balls?

An athletic cups' shape dictates much of its ability to protect the male genitals, and it's not just about covering your balls. At its core an athletic cup must keep the testicles from touching the sides of the cup when it gets hit. If it doesn't then the balls that hit your groin cup causes your cup to hit your balls.

Do pro football players wear protective cups?

Football is an impact sport with helmets, shoulder pads, hands, and feet flying all around the field. Football players don't wear cups. The cup can interfere with running strides, and many players believe it slows them down.

How do you wear a protective cup?

Insert the cup into the pocket in the front of the jock strap, narrow end down. Move it around and adjust it so that it encases your genitals snugly but comfortably. Secure the elastic, Velcro or snap closure to hold the cup in place and keep it from slipping around and pinching you.

20 related questions found

Do MLB players wear cups?

Generally, most baseball players wear cups depending on the fielding position played. Nearly all catchers wear protective cups; most pitchers and infielders wear them too; however, virtually all outfielders play without cups.

Do high school wrestlers wear cups?

Wrestlers don't wear cups under their singlets unless they're built into a jockstrap, compression shorts, or other protective gear expressly allowed in wrestling bouts.

Do athletes still wear cups?

While NFL players are not required to wear cups, female players may opt to do so. These devices are similar to male cups and protect the private parts of the male body. While male football players often choose to wear male-style cups, female cups may be more comfortable and provide more protection than male ones.

Do football players pee on the field?

The vast majority of times players go pee during a football game is by doing so on the sidelines. Since the possession of the football can change at any second these players aren't exactly able to run into the stadium for a bathroom break.

Is wearing a cup uncomfortable?

Well, your cup shouldn't cause any pain or discomfort during wear. The most common cause of menstrual cup pain during wear is that the cup is too firm. This means that the cup is exerting an outward force that is felt by other organs and parts of your body.

Do NHL players wear cups?

Hockey players wear cups, but when they slide, so does their protection, exposing their scrotums to a six-ounce piece of frozen rubber traveling at 100 mph.

Why is jockstrap necessary?

They maximize leg movement, and their lift and flexibility also reduce groin strains and keep genital slip-outs from turning into painful injuries. If you frequently experience aches in the groin area when you exercise, a plush, form-fitting jockstrap can also provide the relief you need.

Can you wear a cup without a jockstrap?

Compression shorts are a good alternative if you don't like jock straps. Compression shorts are basically tight-fitting boxer briefs with a slot for a protective cup in the front. Get a pair of compression shorts that list your waistline's measurement on the packaging.

Should Little League players wear cups?

Boys should wear an athletic supporter or compression shorts under their sweatpants and baseball pants. If your son is a catcher, it is mandatory he wear a protection cup. Giving your Little Leaguers time to practice with the gear they'll be using in their games will get them comfortable and ready to play.

Do basketball players wear protective cups?

No. NBA players usually DO NOT wear cups. This is mainly because NBA players don't get hit in the groin too often. NBA players also tend to feel restricted and uncomfortable when they wear protective cups.

What sports should you wear a cup?

Who Should Wear Them. Protective cups should be the norm for hard-hitting sports with speedy objects, such as hockey pucks. Cups are also necessary in hockey, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, mixed martial arts and other contact sports.

Do NFL Players shower after games?

Showers were always in order following every game regardless of how much you played. This naturally also applies to the backup quarterback who just held a clipboard all game. There is just something rejuvenating and necessary about it after wearing a complete football uniform.

Do NFL players share hotel rooms?

The experience varies between players and teams, but some things remain constant. When I played for the Buccaneers and the Jets, the players had to stay in a hotel the night before the game, whether we were at home or away. Sometimes you also had to have a roommate, especially the younger guys.

Where do athletes pee?

“Guys are peeing all over the sideline in every game, into cups, on the ground, in towels, behind the bench, in their pants, everywhere,” Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil explained. Some players though try to be discreet about urinating on the sideline.

Do NBA players wear cups?

The answer, according to Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, is comfort. Strup, quoted in this ESPN article says it comes down to comfort. “Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them.

Should I wear a jockstrap running?

It's also best to wear an athletic supporter if you run long distances. If you have existing pain in the groin area, a jockstrap can prevent it from worsening. This sports protective gear is also beneficial for those with sagging testicles.

How should an athletic cup fit?

For a cup to work, it must fit tightly against the body. Choose a supporter with a comfortable but secure-fitting waistband, and leg straps tight enough to prevent rolling or twisting. Compression shorts should also be chosen based on waist size. They should be snug but not uncomfortable.

Do wrestlers wear groin protectors?

Wrestlers usually wear a jockstrap under their singlets to prevent their groin squashing during rigorous movements and throws. Some Wrestlers choose to wear just compression shorts, or nothing at all, under their singlet for complete freedom of movement.

What happens if you don't shower after wrestling?

Wrestlers are in constant contact with each other and can pass skin infections such as ringworms, impetigo, and staph infection. All of these skin infections are extremely contagious and you could infect an entire wrestling room full of wrestlers.

What is the best age to start wrestling?

You might have your own ideas on the best age for kids to start wrestling. But generally, experts suggest that kids can start wrestling at around four or five.