Dictionary.com defines “Fad” as a noun: a temporary fashion, notion, manner of conduct, etc., especially one followed enthusiastically by a group.

Fads come and go. Some socially acceptable, some not. Many fads trickle down from celebrities and cycle through generations.

Football fads, especially those that are fashion related, are often defended by the statement, “If you look good, you play good!” Several examples can be provided to defend or argue against that statement. That is not the point at this time. But “Looking good” is subjective and is in the eye of the beholder. What this generation of football players thinks “Looks good”, raises questions.

Below we examine a few high school football fads that “seem” to be totally fashion related and serve no practical purpose to enhance player performance.

1 SPAT
INTENDED PURPOSE: When you tape directly to the ankle, you provide support for medial/lateral and plantarflexion/dorsiflexion. When you take over the shoe without a functional ankle taping or functional ankle brace underneath the sock/shoe, you are relying on the stability and proper lacing of the cleat to provide your support. Additionally, you are taping over the point where the top of the cleat meets the ankle, which often includes a step-off.
UNEXPLAINED: If a player has no ankle injury, why is SPAT needed?

2 TOWEL
INTENDED PURPOSE: Allows QBs to dry hands before taking a snap from center. Increase “Gripability” of ball.
UNEXPLAINED: Why would receivers and running backs who wear gloves need to wear a towel? Why would DBs who rarely touch the ball need to wear a towel? Why wear a towel when it is not easily accessible (attached to back of uniform pants)? If a ball carrier, why provide defenders more to grab, which will assist in making a tackle?

3 DARK VISOR
INTENDED PURPOSE: Prescription based helmet accessory to protect against sunlight.
UNEXPLAINED: Tampa Bay high school football games are 99% of the time, played in the evening. Sun goes down, lose day light, gets dark. Why wear a dark visor, decreasing visibility?

4 WRIST BANDS OVER LEGGINS
INTENDED PURPOSE: Have no idea!
UNEXPLAINED: ???

5 WRIST BANDS ON LEGS
INTENDED PURPOSE: Have no idea. Sweatbands worn on the wrist acts as a towel (a small one) to wipe sweat from face when performing some type of athletic action. May also slightly help keep hands dryer.
UNEXPLAINED: How can an athlete use a sweatband for it’s intended purpose when worn on legs?

6 ONE SLEEVE

INTENDED PURPOSE: Provide coverage or protection for bandages placed on one arm.
UNEXPLAINED: No “boo boo”, why not wear two sleeves or none at all?

7 ONE LONG SOCK
INTENDED PURPOSE: Provide coverage or protection for bandages placed on one leg.
UNEXPLAINED: No “boo boo”, why not wear socks of the same length?

8 EXPOSED BACK FLAP
INTENDED PURPOSE: Provides protection for the lower back. Help prevent painful hits from the blindside
UNEXPLAINED: Easily understood why players who may take these type of hits often, wear back flaps…QBs, Receivers, RBs. Why would defensive linemen, LBs and DBs need one? Why show it off that you have one?

Can all fads be explained? Of course not. Kids will be kids and everything they do will not have a legitimate explanation.