Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: Finding the Right Goalkeeper Gloves
• Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of Goalkeeper Gloves

Gloves are one of the main elements of a football goalkeeper's outfit. They not only protect the hands from injury, but also improve the fixation of the ball. Gloves that are fitted correctly and are kept in good condition with proper care will be of great service to the goalkeeper during matches. Learn to choose the right gloves and take care of them to perform at their best on the pitch.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Finding the Right Goalkeeper Gloves

1. 1 Basic sizes of goalkeeper gloves. Gloves must be of the correct size so that the goalkeeper does not feel discomfort and does his job successfully. Incorrectly selected gloves will not only become a hindrance during the match, but will also last much less.
   • You should measure your hands to get the correct size, but it is also important to know the basic rules for choosing gloves for younger and older players.
   • For younger players: Gloves in size 4 or 5 for are designed for the smallest goalkeepers aged 7-9 years old using equipment for young children. Size 6 or 7 is suitable for medium to tall children aged 10-12 years, using gear for the appropriate height and age.
   • For older players: size 7 gloves are for short adults or tall teenagers; size 8 is suitable for an adult goalkeeper of short or medium height; size 9 is for medium-sized adult goalkeepers; size 10 is for medium to tall adult players; size 11 - for tall goalkeepers; size 12 is suitable for tall goalkeepers with very large hands.
   • Go to your nearest sporting goods store to try on gloves and find a size.
2. 2 For the greatest accuracy, you should know the size of your hand. To make the gloves fit like a glove, you need to measure both hands, as their sizes may vary. Remember that fitting correctly will help extend the life of your gloves.
   • Measure the circumference of the widest part of your hand, excluding the thumb, and round that number up to convert centimeters to inches. Add 1 inch to this size.
   • All people have different sizes of the left and right hand. Measure both hands and order gloves to fit your larger hand.
   • Choosing gloves is not an exact science, since people have different hands. It should not be forgotten that different manufacturers can sew gloves of mismatched sizes and quality.
   • Goalkeeper gloves should be slightly larger than the hand. The gap between the fingers and the top of the glove should be at least ¼ ", and ideally ½". A gap of an inch or more is overkill, which will negatively affect playability.
   • For example, if sized incorrectly, the fingers can put pressure on the latex material of the gloves and cause the seams to open or break prematurely.
3. 3 Fit goalkeeper gloves. Goalkeeper gloves consist of two main parts - the back and the palm, which are often made of different materials. After examining the various material options, you can choose the most comfortable gloves.
   • The cut and material of your gloves should be appropriate for the playing surface, as well as the local weather conditions and your budget. For example, the palm side of all gloves is made of latex, but only the best gloves have a latex back, which is very important for frequent use. The less expensive gloves will have one layer of foam on the back, but in general they will do a good job of protecting the goalkeeper's hands.
4. 4 Various cut options. In addition to the use of different materials, goalkeeper gloves also have a different cut, which is reflected in the design of the palm part of the material. The cut should match your glove requirements.
   • Flat or traditional cut gloves consist of a single layer of flat foam and have a more relaxed fit with a rectangular shape and outer seams.
   • Contoured cut gloves have a so-called "rolled" design, in which the seams follow the contours of the fingers. This cut provides a snug fit and a much larger ball contact surface.
   • In reverse cut, the seam is hidden inside the seals. These gloves fit the most tightly and are great options for women goalkeepers and men with smaller hands.
   • Hybrid gloves combine several options, usually with a contoured cut with a flat or reverse cut.
5. 5 Get the right grip. The most important part of the goalkeeper's gloves is the palmar contact area, which provides ball rest. In general, more expensive seals provide better grip, while less expensive seals provide increased durability. Consider the following factors when choosing seals.
   • Inexpensive gloves are a good option for young or novice players. Such models will teach the player that goalkeeper technique is more important than the material of the gloves for repelling blows.
   • Gloves with a soft palm provide a secure fit, while a dense palm is more durable. Gloves with a firm palm are made from more rubber than non-slip latex and are great for indoor play.
   • The palm of the glove has different thicknesses, and the most common value will be 3-4 mm. A thin palm gives you better ball feel, but a thick palm provides better protection.
   • Consider the surface of your soccer field when choosing the palm section. On artificial turf, latex wear out faster, so gloves with a tight palm are better suited for it. Manufacturers also offer different models of gloves designed for wet weather conditions, dry climates and indoor gyms.
   • It is important to know the climatic conditions in which you will be playing: dry or humid climates, hard flooring or natural surfaces. This data is also important for care. For example, soft gloves with non-slip latex palms for any or dry weather should be dampened before playing. In wet weather, gloves should be wet before the match or even between halves.
6. 6 Durability of goalkeeper gloves. Goalkeepers always wear gloves, so you should determine the durability before purchasing. To extend the lifespan of your gloves, you can buy two pairs - one for training and one for official matches.
   • On average, gloves last for 12-14 matches, depending on the quality of care and your playing style. After that, it is better to use them only in training.
   • It is best to buy some gloves for training, and the second for games, but it all depends on the amount that you have at your disposal.
7. 7 Buy gloves. Once you've figured out the sizes and types of cut, it's time to buy one or two pairs of gloves. Gloves can be purchased anywhere from sporting goods stores to soccer equipment suppliers.
   • If you are not a professional, or vice versa, you want to buy very high quality gloves, then you should consider various offers. Choose gloves from local and large department stores, specialty stores, and online.
   • If you are serious about football, it is best to buy quality models from sporting goods stores or online from football equipment suppliers.

Part 2 of 2: Taking Care of Goalkeeper Gloves

1. 1 Goalkeeper gloves wear out. Latex begins to wear out after the first contact with the ball, and the frequency of play directly affects the condition of the gloves. Proper care is intended to prolong the life of your gloves.
   • Professional gloves with soft and non-slip latex palm grips provide excellent ball retention at the expense of durability. On non-slip goalkeeper gloves, wear begins to show after the first use.
2. 2 Use separate training gloves. Purchase training gloves to keep your gaming gloves in good condition. You can use old gloves or buy an inexpensive model that draws your attention to the need to work on the technique.
   • Buy inexpensive training gloves with less hold but increased durability. This way you will not only save your gaming seals, but also improve your gaming skills.
   • Having bought a new pair of gloves, the old one can only be used for training. It is important to have one pair of quality gloves for matches and one pair for training.
3. 3 Caring for gloves during the match. Gloves are subject to the most wear and tear during play, so care during the match is critical. It is extremely important for models designed for any or wet weather.
   • Depending on the weather, there may be puddles or poor lawn in different parts of the field. Warming up in these areas will affect the performance of the gloves, so it is best to do your pre-match warm-up in areas with good turf. You can also use training gloves to warm up.
   • Soft latex gloves should be moistened with water as the palm dries out, but excessive moisture can make very soft latex gloves slippery. It is important to find the right balance before the match so as not to put your goal at undue risk.
4. 4 Clean your gloves. Gloves get dirty no matter how carefully you play. Dirt and sweat destroy latex and, as a result, affect the quality of the game. Clean your gloves after each use to prolong their life.
   • Clean each glove separately.
   • Put on one glove and rinse under warm water. Use a mild detergent or special glove cleaner to remove dirt, dust and sweat.
   • Rinse until the water is clear, then gently squeeze out excess water. Gloves do not need to be twisted or the seams could be damaged.
   • Gloves must dry naturally, without using a hair dryer or direct sunlight, otherwise they can dry out and deteriorate quickly.
   • You can roll up newsprint and place it in your fingers to keep the gloves in shape and dry faster.
5. 5 Remember to store your gloves properly. Gloves should be stored properly after playing or cleaning. They are usually sold with a special storage bag.
   • Store gloves in a cool, normal humidity environment. At high humidity, there is an increased development of bacteria and mold, which destroy the gloves.
   • You shouldn't just throw your gloves in the bag and forget about them until the next game.Wipe down the gloves and fold them neatly if necessary. If you are sweating a lot, let the gloves dry a little before putting them in a storage bag.
   • Do not fold the gloves, palms together, as they can stick together and tear when you take them out.
6. 6 Do not let the gloves suffocate. Gloves have a closed, sealed space inside, so sweat and bacteria can cause unpleasant odors. With proper cleaning and storage, you can prevent the growth of bacteria and mold, as well as prevent unpleasant odors.
   • Remember to clean your gloves with a disinfectant to prevent sweat and bacteria from building up.
   • Ventilate your gloves to keep out mold and smelly bacteria. This means that the gloves must be completely dry after each play and cleaning.