What does the padding do?

Padding = shoulder pads, helmet, flak jackets, knee pads

Absorbing energy

Distributing the force of impact

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I think the purpose of padding is not well understood. Although padding has a soft component that absorbs energy, the hard component or cover that spreads the force of a collision over a larger area is just as, if not more important. The purpose of a flak

The use, misuse andsafety of the hard cover helmet is still controversial in football. The helmet is obviously still used as a weapon, a weapon that can hurt both the tackler and the ball carrier.