Personal experience and preference will come into play when deciding on the fit or size of your glove. Traditionally goalkeeper gloves were advised to be roomy, generally 1/2 to one inch past the end of your fingertips. There has in recent years been a preference for a more natural feel for the ball and tighter fitted gloves. Goalkeeper gloves that fit tightly, however, are more prone to blowouts, or holes around the fingers or palm.
To determine your goalkeeper glove size, measure the circumference of the part of your palm just below your knuckles, without your thumb. Round up to the next whole inch, and then add 1 to determine your size. Measure both hands, and if the measurements are different, order the larger size for the most consistent fit. Goalkeeper HQ Mentees receive a pair of gloves with their membership. We will ensure the best quality fit for the goalkeepers.
Another sizing method involves your shoe size. Usually, the goalkeeper glove size will correlate with the shoe size. If the shoe size is a half size, round up to the next full size for the best fit. The best way to determine fit is to try gloves on.
CARING OF GLOVES
As with most pieces of soccer gear, you can extend the life of your goalkeeper gloves if you take proper care of them.
Immediate wear of the palm material is normal; latex is a fragile material. Goalkeeper gloves will retain their grip until the foam layer wears away completely. It is important to note that many brands of gloves are only guaranteed for one game.
A good glove bag will protect the gloves once they are in your kit bag. It will protect from abrasions when taking other equipment out.
It’s a good idea to have two pairs of gloves, one for training and one for match play. This way, you can have a backup pair, and you won’t wear out your match gloves during practices. A suggestion is that you have the same brand of practice glove as match glove it is important to practice as hard as you would in a game and get used to the type of glove you would wear in the game.
TECHNIQUE
Be aware of tell tale signs that your diving technique is not right.
Abrasions on the heal of the hand are signs that first contact when diving is hand to floor rather than hand to ball.
Although goalkeeping gloves can considerably increase the effectiveness of handling, the goalkeeper must not forget that it is the hands inside them that are important.
CLEANING OF GLOVES.
Dirt particles in your gloves make them discolored. For every particle that is dirt, that is less gripping surface. It is important to keep your gloves clean.
There is some debate in the goalkeeping community on the hand wash v washing machine cleaning decisions.
Hand washing Pro’s
- The goalkeeper can choose what cleaning product to use
- Closer inspection of gloves
Hand washing Con’s
- More time consuming
- Can be less effective
Washing machine Pro’s
- Can be done easily
- Thorough cleaning
Washing machine Con’s
- It is argued that the detergent and / or softener used in a machine wash can reduce the life of gloves
Hand washing instructions:
- Always wash gloves immediately after games or training in water not exceeding 86 degrees F ( 30 degrees C ) A sponge will clean off surface dirt without causing abraisions to the latex palm
- After rinsing carefully with clean water, allow the gloves to drip-dry away from direct heat or sunlight.
- There are products (described in glove accessories lesson) that can be used. These products use cleaning products that are not harmful to the glove palms.
Washing machine instructions:
- Get a pillow case of other protective bag
- Put the gloves in the bag and put on quick wash.
- Detergent and softener are optional – I use both as I feel the gloves come out extra clean and the conditioner adds an extra stickiness to the latex upon drying. Please do understand that by using these, you may reduce the life of the glove.
- After the cycle, place the gloves palm up – again out of direct sunlight.