If you want to become the best soccer goalie you can, the first step is choosing the right pair of goalie gloves. Goalie gloves are an essential tool for any goalie because they help them to get a good grip on the goal and prevent injury.
Without this protection, it’s too easy to hurt your hands or even break a finger, so goalie gloves should always be at the top of your checklist.
The position of a goalie is unique because they are the last point of defence and have to be great with their hands in order to save a goal. However, there are lots of soccer goalie gloves on the market and it can be hard to pick the perfect one. Just like soccer, goalie gloves have evolved over the years.
First of all, goalie gloves come in a range of different cuts. For example, the flat palm soccer gloves get the job done but they don’t mould to the hand. Although these gloves offer good protection, they affect your mobility and control. All soccer gloves have both advantages and disadvantages, and the key to choosing the right gloves is deciding what features are most important for your needs.
Flat Cut Gloves
Flat cut gloves are on the more affordable side which means they are great for beginners or those trying to stick to a budget. Along with the lower price tag, there’s a good range of choices available, so there’s a good chance that you’ll find the right pair.
On the downside, flat cut gloves tend to have a looser fit with less control and mobility. However, if you’re looking for simple soccer goalie gloves which offer good quality on a budget, the flat cut gloves may be for you.
Roll Finger Cut Gloves
In comparison to flat cut gloves, these gloves offer a tighter fit. They also feature a comfortable design and plenty of styles and brands to choose from. They’re also usually bulkier with a smaller surface area.
Negative cut
Negative cut gloves feature a seam that sits on the edge of the glove. They offer more precise control and are great for goalies with smaller hands.
Hybrid cut gloves
As the name suggests, hybrid cut gloves combine features from different gloves. The unique hybrid cut gloves offer more features but may be harder to get ahold of due to limited quantities and the fact that some styles may not be repeated.
These types of gloves are on the more expensive side in comparison to standard flat cut gloves. However, the price tag is justified when it comes to the quality of these gloves.
Parts of a soccer goalie glove
Backhand
This section of the glove serves as protection for the goalkeeper’s handsl. The quality of the backhand is reflected in the price of the gloves, with more expensive gloves offering better quality. The quality of protection also depends on the thickness and material of the backhand.
Palm
The palm of the glove is what allows the goalie to catch the ball. Soccer goalie gloves with a better grip are usually the ideal choice, and we’ll discuss this in the next section.
Closure
Closure refers to how the glove is put on and removed and how secure it is on the hand. Goalie gloves are available in a range of different types of closure, all affecting the level of comfort of the glove.
Fingers
Goalies use their fingers to catch the ball, and it is important to choose a pair that supports and protects your fingers properly. Personal preference also comes into play here, since some goalkeepers prefer a tighter fit while some prefer a looser fit.
Wrist strap
Most goalie gloves have a wrist strap. However, some gloves have gotten rid of the wrist strap in favor of a better skin-tight fit. The decision of whether to choose a pair of gloves with or without a strap comes down to personal preference.
However, you should keep in mind that gloves without a wrist strap often offer less durability.
How to choose the right goalie gloves
First of all, you’ll want to find a pair of goalie gloves with a good grip. In general, the more expensive gloves will have a better grip. More experienced players will benefit from a better grip, but a weaker grip may even be advantageous to beginner players as it teaches them to develop their saving abilities.
Gloves with less grip are often also more durable and last you longer. Parents of kids who are beginner players may find that gloves with less grip are a budget friendly and effective choice.
When looking for a new pair of goalie gloves, finger protection is key. The position of goalie involves attempting to save goals by stopping soccer balls at high speeds, so you’ll want to choose gloves that offer good protection. Gloves with ‘finger spines’ feature plastic spines inserted into the backhand of the glove to prevent finger injuries.
Sizing a soccer goalie glove
Once you’ve decided on the type of glove, ensuring the right fit is essential. Gloves that fit well should provide plenty of room for the fingers but they shouldn’t be too loose. The best way to ensure a good fit is to have your hands measured.
You should take two measurements of your hands, the height from the tip of your middle finger to the end of your hand and the width from the tip of your thumb to the edge of your palm. The gloves should extend between ½ and 1 inch past your fingertips. Don’t be afraid to try on multiple goalie gloves to find the right pair.
Conclusion
We hope that this blog has helped you choose the right soccer goalie gloves for you. Not everyone will have the same preferences, so the gloves you choose will depend on your own needs. Once you’ve found the perfect match, head over to the Playform to refine your goalkeeping skills and take the first step towards becoming a better goalie.