One of the important equipment of a goalkeeper is his two gloves. These gloves not only protect the hands from injury, but also help the goalkeeper grip the ball more easily during the game. To function effectively, gloves must not only be properly measured, but also properly cared for. By knowing how to find the right glove and learning how to care for it properly, you can guard your goal optimally.
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Part 1 of 2: Getting the Right Goalkeeper Gloves
Step 1. Know the general size of the goalkeeper gloves
For goalkeeping gloves to be used effectively, they must be of the correct size. If it's the wrong size, not only will your game be interrupted but the gloves will quickly break.
- Measure your hand to find the right glove. Keep in mind, the following sizes are only general sizes for junior and senior players.
- Sizes 4 and 5 are suitable for junior goalkeepers aged between 7-9 years and wearing Youth Small size goalkeeper kits. Sizes 6-7 are suitable for junior goalkeepers aged 10-12 and wearing Youth Medium or Large size goalkeeper kits.
- For senior players, size 7 is suitable for small adult goalkeepers or large young goalkeepers. Size 8 for small to medium size adult goalkeepers. Size 9 for medium sized adult goalkeepers. Size 10 for medium to large adult goalkeepers. Size 11 for a large adult goalkeeper. Size 12 for a hand-sized middle goalkeeper is very large.
- Visit a local sports store to try on goalkeeping gloves and find out which size is right for you.
Step 2. Measure your hand to find the right glove size
In order for goalkeeping gloves to allow you to play optimally, measure your hands as each hand is different. It also helps ensure that your gloves don't get damaged too quickly.
- For the best size, measure the circumference of the widest part of the palm other than the thumb and round the number to the highest cm. Add 2.5 cm to get the glove size.
- Everyone has one bigger hand. Measure your hands and sort them by the largest number.
- Measuring gloves is uncertain because every goalkeeper's hand is different. There are also slight differences in size variations from various brands and the quality of the gloves.
- The size of the goalkeeper's gloves should be slightly larger than the size of the hand. The difference between the fingers and the tip of the glove should not be less than 1.25 cm. The size of the gap that is too small or large will affect the game.
- For example, fingers that are not measured correctly will press against the latex material of the glove and the seams will break quickly.
Step 3. Learn the construction of goalkeeper gloves
Goalkeeper gloves are made of two main parts: the back of the hand and the palm of the hand, and the materials of these two parts are often different. Learn about the different options for the materials of the two parts so you can choose the right glove for you.
Gloves should be made of materials and cuts that best suit the playing surface as well as the weather conditions and your budget. For example, all palms are made of latex, but the best types of goalkeeper gloves are made entirely of latex. This feature will certainly influence your decision. Regular goalkeeping gloves only have a latex coating on the palm but it is enough to protect your hands
Step 4. Learn about the different cuts on goalkeeper gloves
Apart from being made of different materials, the cut on the goalkeeper gloves also differs depending on the material the palm is made of. Determine the type of cut that will best suit your needs and the size of your hand.
- Flat or traditional cut gloves have a flat piece of foam and are looser in size with a slightly bulkier look and outer seam.
- The roll cut or Gunn has a finger construction that "rolls", at the seam because it is behind the finger. This piece is comfortable to wear and creates a large contact area with the ball.
- On the negative cut, the seam is inside the glove. The size feels most comfortable, and this cut is the best choice for female goalkeepers as well as goalkeepers with small hands.
- Hybrid gloves incorporate several cuts, usually a combination of a Gunn cut with a flat or negative.
Step 5. Choose gloves with the best grip
The most important area of a goalkeeper's glove is the grip because this determines how firmly you can grip the ball. In general, expensive gloves have a good grip area while cheaper models have better durability. There are several reasons to consider in making your choice.
- Cheap gloves are the best choice for new or young players. These models force players to improve their goalkeeping technique due to their lack of stickiness.
- The soft palm of the glove has a good grip. Gloves with rough soles are made mostly of rubber rather than latex and are great for indoor play.
- The palms of the gloves have different thicknesses. Usually the thickness is between 3-4 mm. The goalkeeper can feel the ball better with the thin palm of the glove. However, choose a thick sole if you want better protection.
- Consider the surface of the field when choosing a glove grip. Surfaces such as synthetic grass will quickly wear out latex. A thick grip will solve this problem. Most gloves are made to withstand wet, dry and indoor conditions.
- It's important to know the best conditions for your gloves: dry, wet, hard ground, or natural surface. This is very important for the care of your gloves. For example, professional grade thick latex gloves are considered “all conditions” or “dry weather” in humid conditions. Gloves for wet weather need to be moistened before the game and at half time.
Step 6. Consider the life of your gloves
Since your gloves will be worn every time you compete, consider the length of time the gloves can be worn before they wear out. You may need to buy two pairs of gloves: one for practice and one for matches so they last longer.
- Gloves usually last an average of 12-14 matches, depending on how well you care for them. If it's worn out, try using it as a glove for practice.
- Consider buying one pair of gloves for matches and one pair for practice, but adjust it according to your financial means.
Step 7. Purchase your goalkeeper gloves
Once you've learned all about the types of goalkeeping gloves, buy the one that's right for you. You can buy it at a sports store or a soccer specialty retail store.
- There are many options when it comes to buying goalkeeper gloves if you are not a professional player or are not looking for the best quality model. You can buy them at major retail or sports specialty stores in your city or online.
- If you are a serious or experienced player, buy high-quality gloves at a sports store or online that specializes in soccer gear.
Part 2 of 2: Caring for the Goalkeeper Gloves
Step 1. Understand that goalkeeper gloves have a lifespan
The latex layer will wear out with use. However, if properly cared for, this service life can be extended.
The soft, thick latex sole, as in professional-grade gloves, provides good grip in exchange for durability. Very thick gloves may show signs of wear and tear eg peeling on first use
Step 2. Put on training gloves
Ensure that the gloves for the match are in optimal condition. You can use old gloves or buy cheap gloves so you have to practice goalkeeping technique.
- Buy less expensive gloves that hold less grip, but are more durable. Not only do you maintain the condition of your match gloves, you also improve your goalkeeping skills.
- You can change your old match gloves to practice gloves if you already have new gloves. It is very important to maintain the quality of your match gloves.
Step 3. Take care of the gloves during the game
Gloves will be used most of the time during the game, so take good care of them. Especially if your gloves are of the “all condition” or “dry weather” type.
- Many areas of the football field are dirty and muddy depending on the weather. If you warm up in this area, the efficiency of the glove will decrease. Therefore, warm up in an area that is not too dirty. You can also use training gloves when warming up.
- Gloves with soft latex need to be moistened with water as the palm dries. However, very soft latex will be slippery if it is too moist. Find the right balance before the game so your game doesn't get interrupted.
Step 4. Clean your gloves
If used to play, of course, your gloves will get dirty. Soil and sweat will break down the latex and slowly wear it down, affecting your game. Clean your goalkeeper gloves after several uses to extend their useful life.
- Clean each glove separately and as carefully as possible.
- Put one glove inside while doused with warm water. Use a mild detergent or goalkeeper glove cleaner to remove dirt, grime and sweat.
- Rinse with water until the water looks clear then discard the collected water. Do not wring your gloves, as the seams will tear.
- Hang your gloves to dry naturally without any assistance such as a hairdryer, or sunlight to maintain the longevity of your goalkeeper gloves.
- You can roll up newsprint and slide it between the fingers of the glove to maintain condition and speed up drying of the glove.
Step 5. Store your goalkeeper gloves properly
After you have played or washed your goalkeeper gloves, it is important to store your gloves properly. Most gloves are sold with a bag specifically designed for storing gloves.
- Store your gloves in a cool place with reasonable humidity. Gloves and their storage case should not get wet as bacteria or mildew will grow on the gloves and accelerate their wear.
- Don't just put your gloves in your bag and leave them until the next game. Dry it if needed and then put it in a storage bag. If the gloves are wet with sweat, let them dry for some time.
- Do not touch the palms of the gloves when you store them because they will stick and tear when you separate them.
Step 6. Take care of the gloves so they don't stink
The contents of the glove are narrow, closed spaces that are exposed to sweat and bacteria, giving rise to an unpleasant odor. Clean and store gloves properly to prevent bacteria and mildew from growing inside your gloves.
- Make sure you clean your gloves with a disinfectant that kills sweat and bacteria so they don't stink.
- Air dry the gloves to ensure they don't have mildew or odor-producing bacteria. This means that gloves need to be dried after each match and cleaned.
