As the competition heats up on fields, courts, and rinks, athletes are turning to a new layer of defense to protect and prevent injuries: padded underwear.

The next time you see your favorite football player involved in a big-time hit, there's a good chance they're wearing a new form of protective padding that's integrated directly into compression apparel, the underwear many athletes wear underneath their uniforms. McDavid Sports recently introduced its patented HexPad technology to the collegiate and professional ranks and it's quickly gaining acceptance as a way to enhance athletic performance and protect against injury.

HexPads are small, hexagonal shaped pads, which are permanently bonded to compression apparel and other types of protective equipment, such as knee, elbow and forearm pads. The pads are designed to conform, flex and stretch with the contours of the body in ways previous generations of pads never have. As an athlete runs, jumps, dives, twists, slides or spins, the HexPads move with the body, acting as a second skin. Unlike other types of pads that can leave gaps in coverage or slide out of position, HexPads wrap seamlessly around the body to provide maximum protection. In addition to absorbing and dissipating impacts, Hex Pads are extremely lightweight and breathable, a key factor for athletes who want increased protection without adding to the size and weight of their equipment.

"No matter the sport, athletes are always looking for a competitive advantage," said McDavid's Harry Brown. "Equipment can play a big role in an athlete's confidence and how aggressive they approach a game. With HexPads, athletes play with increased confidence because they know there's another layer of protection surrounding them."

The company's full line of compression apparel features hDc moisture management technology. The hDc compound absorbs sweat and disperses it into the fabric, evaporating moisture quickly.

When an athlete heats up and sweats, the apparel stays dry, keeping him cool and comfortable. Because the apparel stays dry, it also keeps athletes insulated and warm in cool temperatures. The hDc moisture management technology is infused directly into the fabric -- unlike other moisture management systems that are sprayed on -- making it difficult to wash out.

"HexPad technology was originally developed for football and other high- impact sports, but we've found that athletes in all sports are gravitating to the technology," said Robert McDavid, president of McDavid. "Whether you're sliding into second, driving the lane in basketball or digging a volleyball, all athletes can benefit from this added layer of protection."

HexPad technology is utilized by athletes in all sports and at all levels of competition. McDavid's compression apparel featuring HexPad technology includes shorts and shirts as well as other protective equipment. Depending on the sport, padding is strategically placed in high-impact zones, including the shoulders, chest, back, hips and thighs.