Selecting Your Keeper Gloves
The most important tool for a goalkeeper is their gloves. It is vital that the keeper be well informed before making an investment when selecting the gloves.
Goalkeeper glove technology has advanced tremendously over the years.It has progressed from simple cotton (garden style) through the dimpled rubber, the polyurethane, the latex to the complex gor-tex models. Sondico's innovations such as, cliff cuff protector, velcro fasteners, waffle palms, pin-prick, zig-zag, flecked, diamond, cube, suction cups, octopus, and even 15% larger palms have come along. All these innovations were designed to accommodate various environmental and playing conditions to individual preferences. However, the bottom line is these features only assist in capturing the ball – the goalkeeper must have the proper technique to stop the ball.
Purchase Wisely
Gloves should be purchased wisely and based on the level of commitment and play. In the past, gloves were
virtually indestructible. However, today many are assembled using hi-tech material, therefore the higher the price
and performance the less life expectancy of the glove.
Size and Comfort
Unlike driving gloves, where a snug fit is preferable, it is highly recommended that the keeper choose one that is 1/2 to 1 full size larger than the hand size. The over-sizing provides several benefits:
The comfort and freedom of hand movement allow your hand to breathe.- The additional catching surface.
- There is less stress on the stitch on the glove upon impact of the ball.
Features
When purchasing your gloves be aware of the unique features that meet specific weather and playing conditions.
The various goalkeeper equipment suppliers provide many different palms, hand size charts and recommendations for proper selections. Utilize this information.
How Many
All keepers should have at least three pair of gloves:
- One pair for training only. Two pair of match only gloves. One is a soft palm glove and the other is a hard palm glove. These are changed to adapted to the field and climate conditions. The up front investment is high, but in the long run
you save money because of the increased life expectancy of the match pair. As a match pair begins to
age it should be used for training.
Quality
When I'm selecting my pair, I am interested in wearing top quality material and advanced technology for ultimate performance. It can make the difference. The following are points that you consider when selecting a new pair of gloves.
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It is important to catch some soccer balls of different material to feel how the gloves respond.
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Does the glove feel flexible and comfortable on your hands.
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What is the thickness of the palm and does the palm provide good adhesion.
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Does it have external gussets to ensure a better fit. These gussets should also be vented to allow your
hand to breathe and helps to eliminate premature glove deterioration.
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The wrist area should be well constructed. Tapered wrist entry vents permits ease of hand entry. Dual rather than single Velcro fasteners provide a snug fit at the wrist and lessen the likelihood of it dangling.
Extended wrist support offers additional protection from hard shots and helps to prevent hyperextension. -
External seams improve flexibility and palm contact area.
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When ordering through mail order, become familiar with the brand’s method
of sizing. Different vendor sizes can vary by as much as a full size.
How to take care of your gloves
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Gloves should be stored in a glove wallet. The wallet protects the gloves from dust and sunlight that reduce the life expectancy.
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Wash your gloves regularly in luke warm water with a mild detergent. I wash my gloves while they are on my hands. I do not use a washing machine.
Additionally, I turn them inside out and wash them again. I rinse them and air dry them in a shaded area. -
Do not expose you gloves to direct sunlight, heat sources or lighting. It makes them become brittle and lessens the life expectancy.
Match time play
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By slightly dampening the palm of your gloves at playing time you have increased absorption level and add more life to your best friend – the glove. Approach the referee and ask to touch and get a feel of the game ball before the actual start of the game. Select the proper glove for the field and weather conditions.The glove wallet should be placed within goal area should you need to change them during match conditions because of the ball's surface, change in the weather, breakdown of the glove or confidence level.
Personal experience and preference
Finally, base your choice on personal experience and preference. In conclusion, the glove is only a tool and selecting the proper glove increases the chances of snuffing the ball as it comes towards the keeper with a tremendous amount of spin and movement. The keeper must do more than secure the ball with their hands, the entire body and mind must be involved in the process of terminating the path of the ball towards the goal line.
Courtesy Dan Gaspar - Star Goalkeeping Academy
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