How do I know if the pads are positioned correctly over my hip joints?

The pads should cover the greater trochanter—the bony prominence on the outside of your upper thigh, roughly at the level of your hip crease when standing. You can feel this bone by pressing on the side of your upper thigh while rotating your leg. When wearing the protector, the center of each pad should sit directly over this bony point. Have someone check the positioning while you stand in a relaxed position, then again in a slight ski stance, as pads can shift when you bend your knees.