As parents us, we understand how the intricate nature of the Goalkeeper Gloves could turn your head. What are the reasons why my child should put on this style of cut? What benefits can I expect from this particular latex over the other one? What can I do to stop junior goalkeeper gloves from tearing in such a short time? Luckily, we’re goalkeepers too! Therefore, we’re here to help.
We’ve broken down the essential information you need to know into four simple to understand sections below.
#1 – Ensure the Child’s Gloves Last
Learning how to properly care for your glove can help you prepare for lifelong success and significantly extend the lifespan of any goalkeeper’s glove. This is particularly important for younger goalkeepers whose technique may not be as developed as those of a senior age, which makes them more prone to wear and tear before the gloves’ lifespan.
How long should our gloves Last?
The reality is goalie gloves can be perishable and the palms made of latex provide the grip and shock absorption that we think of as an organic material that will tear and wear with time (in fact, it may break on the first day of use due to an unfortunate slip). The average goalie could require more than five pairs per season, however with a myriad of factors at play (playing the surface, how you play as well as the amount of games/training as well as the quality of glove care and preparation to name just some) certain goalkeepers could easily triple or even quadruple that amount. On the other hand certain goalkeepers can manage to complete the season using just three or two pairs – according to our research it is a matter of personal preference by goalkeeper.
Be sure to look after your child’s gloves
One of the biggest errors parents can do is forget to wash their gloves. We can’t stress enough how crucial it is to ensure that the gloves are cleaned properly prior to and post-game. These are the three main elements of washing gloves. If you don’t do this, the gloves of your child are going to get dry, give less grip, and greatly increase the chance of tear.
1. Before you use your new gloves for the first times, make sure you wash them first and then dry them naturally following the washing instructions included on the package or in on our glove Care guide. While washing your hands, the water in your sink should change color which means you have been able to remove any preservatives from the latex (they are employed to ensure the latex is fresh). If you want to confirm this that you have removed all preservatives, a second wash is suggested.
2. In the course of use, wet the palms of gloves with water to achieve the maximum grip and longevity from the palms made of latex.
3. After using, before you do anything else, ensure that you wash your hands and leave to dry naturally. Allowing the latex to dry will make it hard, affecting the durability and grip.
We have a comprehensive glove care guide that goes over more than this and we strongly recommend that you read the guide a thorough reading by clicking the button below.
#2 – Selecting the Best “Cut” For Your Child
What exactly is a glove Cut?
A “cut” is simply the manner in which the fingers and palms are made and stitched. There are a variety of styles with distinct characteristics. Some may be more slender than others, and some might provide more latex coverage on the ball, while other might provide a better “true” feel, and many other.
#3 A Guide to different Latex Palms
What exactly is Latex?
Latex is the substance found on the hand of a glove. it’s what gives us two essential attributes: shock absorption as well as grip. As we have discussed in the Glove Care guide, it is a natural, soft material that wears out in time but all our gloves are designed to perform and hold until there’s absolutely no more latex.
There are so many varieties so how do I decide?
Similar to Glove Cuts, there is no correct or incorrect solution here, it’s more of a matter of personal preferences and conditions. We’ve broken down and evaluated our latex in three simple categories: Dry Weather, Wet Weather, and Durability.
Why would I pick an inferior latex?
There are many motives to go to do this, and some are applicable to everyone who keeps a record, not only younger ones.
1) Keepers might choose a less rated (and consequently, less expensive) latex during training, and save the more expensive quality gloves for match day.
2.) Keepers who are younger and still in the process of developing will undergo more gloves than a keeper of a higher level, because of their skill and lack of experience yet. It could be beneficial to opt for a less quality latex until they’re capable of jumping into something more professional such as “Contact” latex.
3) There is no reason to consider any latex “bad” even if the latex “Supersoft” has three star ratings, it provides good stability and shock absorbtion.