Goalkeeper gloves in Football are an essential pair of football gear. Every component of the glove protects the goalie’s hand in different ways and unusual variations help goalies play in specific playing conditions. So before you start your game this season, learn how to measure your hands to find the right size and what to look for when purchasing a pair of goalkeeper gloves.
Four different parts, four specific functions:
PALM:
The palm helps in catching and securing the football. There are two types of palm texture: dimpled and smooth. Dimpled palms are best for practice sessions; they have a gripping agent, they are much more durable, hence much more suitable for practice. Conversely, smooth palms are suitable for playing match; its clinging agent helps player grab the ball easily, but it is more likely to wear off with more use, so it is best to use only in games to prolong their life.
FINGERS:
Fingers allow the goalie to grasp and hold the ball; it is the best defense mechanism. Finger protection gloves contain spines on the inside of the fingers, to aid in finger support. When force is applied, the material of the gloves tightens and help prevent hyperextension and breaking of digits when catching hard-kicked footballs. The fit of the gloves totally depends on the goalie preference; some choose looser fit to allow more finger movability and some like the control that stiffer gloves provide. Look for gloves that have bendable, plastic supports as opposed to simply being padded. This helps prevent strains and other injuries.
BACKHAND:
The padded backhand significantly helps to shield the hand when punching the ball. The quality mostly depends on the price. Expensive gloves are cushioned with latex, whereas less expensive gloves tend to have just one layer of foam padding.
CLOSURE:
The closure secures the glove to your hand and comes in three types: v-notch, hook and loop, and bandage. V-notch closures keep your hands cool and dry and allow ventilation. Hook and loop closures have an adaptable strap that can be tightened or loosened. Bandage closures wrap securely around your wrist and provide superior wrist support.
CUTS/FITS IN GLOVES
Cuts or fit of the gloves is the way in which palm of the glove is made.
NEGATIVE:
The negative cut has the fingers sewn from the inside, which provides the snuggest fit to the goalkeeper. These are often recommended to female or male goalies with thinner hands.
ROLLED:
The palm sides are “rolled” around and stitched at the back of the fingers. These gloves give a tighter fit.
HYBRID:
Hybrid cuts are the combination of Rolled gloves and Negative gloves.
FLAT:
These are most commonly used gloves. The palm is made with one piece of flat foam material. The fit is looser on the hand, which gives it more room to move.
HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT SIZE
As by now you know the attributes you need to look when buying the pair of goalkeeper’s gloves, it’s time to find the right size for you.
Measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand in inches with the help of measuring tape, and don’t include your fingers in the measurement. For most, this should be below where your pinky ends, and above your thumb. Round off the number.
Add 1 inch to the rounded number, and you’ll have your football goalie glove size.
For example, if your hand measure 7.85, round off it to 8. Add 1″ to determine that your glove size is a 9.
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