If you’ve got a youngster who loves to play in goal, you’ll want to make sure they’ve got the right pair of junior goalie gloves. The best gloves help children fulfil their potential, have more fun on the pitch, and minimises the risk of injuries, too.
In this guide, we’ll explore some factors to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ goalie gloves.
The Importance of Picking the Right Junior Goalkeeper Gloves
Before we dig into the nitty-gritty of how to select junior goalie gloves, it’s important to understand why it’s so important. After all, if you’re new to the world of goalkeeping equipment, you might assume that all gloves are more-or-less the same.
However, that’s not true. In reality, goalie gloves vary massively from brand to brand and pair to pair. They come in different shapes, cuts, designs, closure systems, and so on. This affects the comfort, safety, and performance potential for the keeper who wears them.
With the wrong pair of gloves on their hands, young players will struggle to perform at the peak of their abilities. They’ll be more likely to fail when attempting saves or lack power and precision on their punches and throws.
With the right gloves, it’s a totally different story. Good quality gloves bring out the best in young, aspiring keepers. They provide the comfort and all-important confidence that players need to perform at their best levels.
How to Select Junior Goalie Gloves?
We’ve seen the “Why?” behind selecting the right pair of gloves. Now, let’s look at the “How?”
Do Your Research Before You Begin
First up, research. Especially for those who are new to the world of goalie gloves, it’s so important to learn as much about them as possible. You might be surprised by how complex these products can be, with so many aspects and elements involved.
Goalie gloves can have different cuts, for example, which refers to the way the palm and backhand are formed and stitched together. Different cuts create totally different sensations for the keeper. There are also different closure systems, protection methods, and other aspects to discover. The more you learn, the easier it’ll be to make a sensible, informed decision.
Prioritise Comfort and Safety
Older and more experienced keepers tend to focus on performance when buying goalie gloves. They want whichever pair helps them make the most saves, throw the ball with the highest degree of accuracy, and get the best distance on their punches.
For younger keepers, however, there are other priorities to consider. With a junior goalie who’s still learning the game and developing their skills, focus on gloves that feel comfortable and, more importantly, protect their hands. Younger goalies are at higher risk of injury due to their lack of experience, so they need durable and well-made gloves to prevent finger and wrist injuries.
Get the Size Right
Sizing is always important when you’re buying goalie gloves, but it’s especially crucial for juniors. If the gloves are too big for their hands, they’ll feel loose and it’ll be hard for the player to grab and hold onto the ball. If they’re too small, they’ll be uncomfortable or even painful to put on and take off.
Find the Ideal Gloves for Your Young Goalie
Overall, there’s a lot that goes into picking a pair of junior goalie gloves. It’s not something you’ll want to rush into, nor is it a decision that you should leave entirely to the junior goalie in question. Instead, take your time, weigh up your options, and keep these tricks and considerations in mind to make the right call.
