What gear do soccer goalkeepers need to perform at their best. How do goalkeeper jerseys differ from other players. Why are goalkeeper gloves crucial for performance. Do goalkeepers wear shin guards like other players. What additional protective gear can goalkeepers use.
The Unique Role of Soccer Goalkeepers
Soccer goalkeepers play a crucial role on the field, serving as the last line of defense against opposing team’s attempts to score. Their position demands quick reflexes, agility, and the ability to make split-second decisions. To perform at their best, goalkeepers require specialized equipment that sets them apart from other players on the field.
Goalkeeper Jerseys: Standing Out on the Field
One of the most noticeable differences in a goalkeeper’s attire is their jersey. Why do goalkeepers wear different jerseys than their teammates? The primary reason is to distinguish them from other players on the field. As the only player allowed to handle the ball within their penalty area, it’s crucial for referees and players to quickly identify the goalkeeper.
Goalkeeper jerseys are typically designed with bright, eye-catching colors. This serves two purposes:
- It makes the goalkeeper easily visible to teammates and officials.
- Some believe it can distract or draw the attention of opposing players when they’re attempting to score.
Many goalkeepers opt for long-sleeved jerseys and pants for additional protection when diving or sliding on the ground. These garments help prevent scrapes and abrasions that can occur during intense gameplay.
The Importance of Goalkeeper Gloves
Perhaps the most crucial piece of equipment for a goalkeeper is their gloves. How do goalkeeper gloves enhance performance? These specialized gloves serve multiple purposes:
- Improved grip on the ball, especially in wet or slippery conditions
- Protection for the hands and fingers during saves and ball handling
- Cushioning to absorb the impact of powerful shots
Goalkeeper gloves come in various styles and materials, allowing players to choose the best fit for their playing style and preferences. To maintain the effectiveness of their gloves, many goalkeepers keep them in a dedicated glove bag and use a hand towel during matches to keep them clean and dry.
Shin Guards: Essential Protection for All Players
Do goalkeepers wear shin guards like other players on the field? The answer is a resounding yes. Shin guards are mandatory for all players, including goalkeepers, in most soccer leagues and competitions. These protective devices serve several important functions:
- Shielding the shin bones from impacts and tackles
- Reducing the risk of fractures and other lower leg injuries
- Providing a layer of padding for comfort during play
It’s worth noting that some leagues have specific requirements for shin guard tape color, often mandating that it matches the color of the player’s socks. Goalkeepers should check with their coach or league officials to ensure compliance with these regulations.
Additional Protective Gear for Goalkeepers
While shin guards are mandatory, goalkeepers have the option to wear additional protective gear to enhance their safety on the field. What other protective equipment can goalkeepers use?
- Sliding shorts: These compression shorts feature padding in areas like the hips, thighs, and knees, providing extra protection during dives and slides.
- Compression undershirts: Similar to sliding shorts, these garments offer padding for the upper body and often incorporate moisture-wicking properties to keep the goalkeeper comfortable.
- Knee and arm guards: For goalkeepers who frequently dive or slide, these additional guards can provide extra protection against impacts and abrasions.
- Goalkeeper helmets: While not as common, some goalkeepers opt to wear helmets made of latex and foam for added head protection.
It’s important to note that while these additional protective items can enhance safety, they should not impede the goalkeeper’s mobility or performance on the field.
Essential Accessories for Goalkeepers
Beyond the primary equipment, there are several accessories that goalkeepers should consider keeping in their kit bag:
- Water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining focus and performance throughout the match. Some goalkeepers also use water to moisten their gloves for better grip.
- Hand towel: Useful for cleaning and drying gloves during play, as well as wiping away sweat.
- Sunscreen: For outdoor matches, protecting the skin from sun damage is important.
- Bug spray: In some environments, insect repellent can help prevent distractions during play.
- Goalkeeper bag: A specialized bag helps organize and transport all the necessary equipment to and from matches and training sessions.
The Role of Mouthguards in Goalkeeper Safety
Are mouthguards necessary for soccer goalkeepers? While not always mandatory, mouthguards are highly recommended for goalkeepers due to the physical nature of their position. Mouthguards offer several benefits:
- Protection against dental injuries from impacts with the ball, goalposts, or other players
- Reduction of concussion risk by absorbing shock and stabilizing the jaw
- Increased confidence in challenging situations, knowing that one’s teeth are protected
Many professional goalkeepers opt to wear mouthguards as an extra precaution, recognizing the potential for facial impacts in their role.
Optimizing Goalkeeper Performance Through Equipment Choices
How can goalkeepers use their equipment to enhance their performance on the field? Here are some strategies to consider:
- Choose gloves that suit your playing style and the weather conditions you typically face.
- Experiment with different jersey colors to find what works best for you psychologically and tactically.
- Invest in high-quality shin guards that offer maximum protection without sacrificing mobility.
- Consider using sliding shorts and compression shirts for added protection during diving saves.
- Keep your equipment well-maintained, especially your gloves, to ensure consistent performance.
- Practice with your full kit to become comfortable with all your gear during match situations.
By carefully selecting and properly utilizing their equipment, goalkeepers can optimize their performance and minimize the risk of injury during play.
The Psychological Impact of Goalkeeper Equipment
Beyond the physical benefits, a goalkeeper’s equipment can have a significant psychological impact on both the player and their opponents. How does a goalkeeper’s gear affect the mental aspect of the game?
- Confidence boost: Wearing high-quality, well-fitting equipment can increase a goalkeeper’s confidence in their abilities.
- Intimidation factor: A goalkeeper in full gear, particularly with a distinctive jersey and gloves, can present an imposing figure to opposing strikers.
- Focus and preparation: The ritual of putting on specialized goalkeeper equipment can help players enter the right mindset for the match.
- Visual distraction: Brightly colored or patterned jerseys may momentarily draw an opponent’s attention, potentially affecting their shot accuracy.
Understanding and leveraging these psychological aspects can give goalkeepers an additional edge in their performance.
Evolving Technology in Goalkeeper Equipment
As with many aspects of sports, goalkeeper equipment is constantly evolving with new technologies and materials. What innovations are shaping the future of goalkeeper gear?
- Smart gloves: Some manufacturers are exploring the integration of sensors in goalkeeper gloves to provide data on hand positioning, grip strength, and impact forces.
- Advanced materials: New synthetic materials are being developed to enhance grip, durability, and comfort in gloves and jerseys.
- Customization: 3D printing and advanced manufacturing techniques are allowing for more personalized fit and design in shin guards and other protective gear.
- Lightweight protection: Ongoing research aims to create even lighter yet more effective protective equipment, allowing for greater mobility without sacrificing safety.
As these technologies continue to develop, goalkeepers may find even more ways to optimize their performance and safety on the field.
The Importance of Proper Equipment Maintenance
To ensure longevity and optimal performance of goalkeeper equipment, proper maintenance is crucial. How can goalkeepers best care for their gear?
- Clean gloves regularly according to manufacturer instructions to maintain grip and prevent odor.
- Air out all equipment after use to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
- Inspect shin guards and other protective gear for cracks or wear, replacing as necessary.
- Store equipment in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent material degradation.
- Follow washing instructions for jerseys and other garments to maintain their quality and appearance.
- Regularly check and replace cleats to ensure proper traction and support.
By implementing a consistent maintenance routine, goalkeepers can extend the life of their equipment and ensure it performs at its best when needed most.
Adapting Equipment Choices to Different Playing Conditions
Goalkeepers often face varying weather and field conditions that can impact their performance. How can equipment choices be adapted to different situations?
- Wet conditions: Opt for gloves with enhanced grip technology and consider water-resistant jersey materials.
- Hot weather: Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics for jerseys and consider shorter sleeves for better ventilation.
- Cold weather: Layer with thermal undergarments and select gloves with insulation properties.
- Artificial turf: Use shin guards with additional padding to protect against turf burn during slides.
- Indoor play: Consider lighter, more flexible equipment to accommodate the faster pace of indoor soccer.
By adjusting their equipment choices to match the playing conditions, goalkeepers can maintain peak performance regardless of the environment.
The Role of Equipment in Injury Prevention
While skill and technique are crucial for avoiding injuries, proper equipment plays a significant role in keeping goalkeepers safe on the field. How does goalkeeper gear contribute to injury prevention?
- Impact absorption: Gloves, shin guards, and optional padding help dissipate the force of impacts from the ball or collisions with other players.
- Joint support: Some goalkeeper pants and shirts offer compression elements that can help support joints during dynamic movements.
- Abrasion protection: Long-sleeved jerseys and pants protect the skin during dives and slides on various playing surfaces.
- Temperature regulation: Moisture-wicking fabrics help maintain optimal body temperature, reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses.
- Proper fit: Well-fitting equipment ensures that protective elements stay in place during play, offering consistent protection.
By investing in quality equipment and ensuring proper fit, goalkeepers can significantly reduce their risk of both acute and chronic injuries.
Balancing Cost and Quality in Goalkeeper Equipment
For many goalkeepers, especially those at amateur or youth levels, balancing the cost of equipment with quality can be challenging. How can players make informed decisions about their gear investments?
- Prioritize essential items: Invest more in crucial elements like gloves and shin guards, which directly impact performance and safety.
- Research and compare: Look for reviews and comparisons of different brands and models to find the best value for your budget.
- Consider durability: Sometimes spending more on higher-quality items can be more cost-effective in the long run due to increased durability.
- Look for sales and discounts: Take advantage of off-season sales or clearance events to purchase high-quality equipment at reduced prices.
- Gradually upgrade: Start with basic equipment and upgrade pieces over time as your skills and needs evolve.
- Care for your gear: Proper maintenance can extend the life of your equipment, making your investment go further.
By approaching equipment purchases strategically, goalkeepers can build a high-quality kit without breaking the bank.
The Future of Goalkeeper Equipment and Training
As soccer continues to evolve, so too will the equipment and training methods used by goalkeepers. What trends might we see in the coming years?
- Virtual reality training: VR technology could allow goalkeepers to practice reaction times and decision-making in simulated match situations.
- Biometric feedback: Wearable technology integrated into goalkeeper gear might provide real-time data on performance and physical condition.
- Sustainable materials: As environmental concerns grow, we may see a shift towards more eco-friendly materials in goalkeeper equipment.
- Position-specific fitness gear: Training equipment designed to target the unique physical demands of goalkeeping may become more prevalent.
- Advanced impact protection: New materials and designs could offer even better protection against the high-speed impacts goalkeepers face.
As these technologies and trends develop, goalkeepers at all levels may find new ways to enhance their skills, safety, and overall performance on the field.
The Soccer Goalkeeper Checklist | PRO TIPS by DICK’S Sporting Goods
Your opponent is charging down the field and putting your team’s defenders on their heels. One of their forwards takes control of the ball in open space and sends a cross to a teammate waiting in front of the net. As a goalkeeper, this is your time to shine.
Now it is just you and them. You are the last line of defense. Blink and you might miss your opportunity. Will you be ready to make that game-deciding save?
Few experiences in sports are as intense as playing goalkeeper in soccer. In order to work toward making all the big saves, you’ll want to come to the pitch ready with all the right gear.
This starts with what you wear.
Goalkeepers wear a jersey specifically designed for their position, which needs to be a different color than everyone else on the field. Since the goalkeeper is the only player who can touch the ball with their hands, referees need to be able to distinguish them from the rest of the players. When choosing a jersey color, many goalkeepers will go with a brighter color as they feel it attracts an opponent’s eyes when they are aiming their shot, but there are a variety of colors and designs to match your own personal style.
Goalkeepers will stop at nothing to make a save, and that includes diving for the ball. In order to help prevent scraping up your arms and legs, you can choose to wear long-sleeve goalie jerseys or goalie pants.
Another important part of the goalkeeper ensemble is sliding shorts. Designed to fit under your uniform, they feature a compression fit and padding in areas like the hips, thighs and knees for extra protection. There are also some compression undershirts that have padding for the upper body and moisture-wicking properties.
Goalkeeper gloves may be the most important piece of equipment for a goalie. When you go for a save or to grab a loose ball, gloves will help serve as protection and can improve your grip on the ball as well. Keeping your gloves in a specifically designed glove bag can help them stay in game-ready shape all season.
Keep a hand towel in your bag to take with you on the field. Keep it with your water bottle as it can help dry or clean your gloves during play. You can also use it to wipe the sweat off your face when the game gets heated.
Always keep safety in mind when protecting your team’s goal. Like other players on the field, goalkeepers need to wear shin guards. It’s important to remember that some leagues require players to use the same color shin guard tape as their socks, so be sure to check with your coach or league officials.
Mouthguards are a must-have safety accessory to wear on the pitch. Knee guards, arm guards and leg guards are all optional if you’re looking for additional safety gear. There are even goalkeeper helmets made of latex and foam that have started to gain popularity.
With all of this gear in your arsenal, a goalkeeper bag can definitely come in handy. Not only can a bag help keep you organized, it can also help you transport your equipment to and from the field more easily. Always keep sunscreen and bug spray in your bag as well.
And finally, don’t forget your water bottle. You not only want to stay hydrated during practice and games but you can also pour some water on your goalie gloves to help increase their grip.
Now that you know what you need to best defend your team’s goal, you’re ready to take on the season. Good luck!
*Click to enlarge and print
Do goalkeepers wear shin guards?
Football is an aggressive game and players from a team including the opponent s will try to put their best efforts on the field.
However, the chances of getting injuries are high in a game and every player should wear certain accessories as per FIFA rules.
A shin guard is one of the accessories meant for protecting a player including a goalkeeper from various problems. The shin guards aim at enhancing more safety to football players allowing them to make free movements. At the same time, it is necessary to select the right one which suits the needs of a player.
What is the duty of a goalkeeper in football game?
A goalkeeper is an important person in football game because he prevents the other team from scoring a goal.
The goalkeeper is the only player who can use his hand while catching a ball. Moreover, he communicates and coordinates with other players to change positions when defending a ball. Most football players will follow the instructions of a goalkeeper in a game to score more goals.
Football teams that use a goalkeeper effectively can dominate on the field to obtain optimal results.
Does a goalkeeper wear a shin guard?
It is important for a goalkeeper to wear a shin guard just like other players apart from other accessories.
However, it is necessary to consult with a coach or team before wearing the same. This is because some leagues recommend a goalkeeper to wear a shin guard that has the same color. A goalkeeper should wear a shin guard that is lighter in weight which offers more protection and comforts.
Since a goalkeeper’s job involves several things, it is very important to select a product with special attention.
How to choose soccer shin guards?
The first thing to consider while buying a soccer shin guard is the size and players should determine the same based on their height.
Moreover, one should give more importance to the position before investing money on shin guards.
Players should get details about products from different sources for gaining more ideas. There are several online shops which offer the products at the best prices allowing customers to select them according to needs.
At the same time, it is advisable to make a detailed study of them with special attention to choose a store which fulfills the expectations of players. Also, it will help a lot to select products that come with high-quality materials.
Best Shin Guards for Soccer Goalies
While soccer goalies are required to have some specialized equipment, such as a unique jersey and goalie gloves, there are actually no particularly specialized shin guards for soccer goalies. Instead, the goalie should look for whatever shin pads or guards are most comfortable for their own body and playing style. Like any good soccer shin guards, goalie shin guards should be lightweight, breathable, and not restrict movement or comfort in any way. As goalies are prone to some pretty rough contact with the ball, it is important for them to have commensurate body, knee, shin, and ankle protection. Here are some shin guards well-suited to the needs of a goalie.
Storelli BodyShield LegGuards aren’t technically shin guards, per se. However, they are ideal when used in tandem with shin guards. These sleeves include a pocket for your choice of shin pad, allowing you to use whatever guards you already have. The benefit here is that Storelli LegGuards provide significant protection against scrapes and cuts on the rest of your leg. These guards provide a layer of comfortable yet protective padding to protect everything below the knee.
These Storelli BodyShield Leg Sleeves are extremely similar to the Storelli LegGuards on this list, with the notable exception of a lack of ankle protection. While usually more protection is the way to go, there are a number of reasons to consider this option over the LegGuards. It can be tough to find a pair of ankle guards that properly fit, so it’s nice to get the protection and comfort of the Storelli BodyShield line without being locked into their ankle guard.
Nike’s Mercurial Flylite SuperLock soccer shin guards are some of the most advanced shin guards on the market today. They don’t come cheap, but they are worth every dime for their unparalleled comfort and durability. After a certain point, there isn’t a whole lot you can do to increase the protection offered by a pair of shin guards. The trick is getting them to be comfortable and wearable in-game without compromising that protection. These Mercurial Flylite shin guards are lightweight and breathable thanks to unique built-in airflow channels. Nike’s SuperLock design means that the guards stay in place for the duration of the match.
These Nike Mercurial Flylite shin guards make great shin guards for soccer goalies. You’ll notice they are quite similar to the Mercurial Flylite SuperLock shin guards on this list, with the obvious exception of the “SuperLock” designation. While the SuperLock technology is useful, it isn’t always necessary depending on your setup. “SuperLock” basically means there are little spikes on the outside of the guard that attach to the fibers of your your soccer socks to help hold them in place. If you wear shin guards inside something like the Storelli BodyShield LegGuards however, the internal pocket already ensures a sturdy fit, meaning you might as well not waste the extra dough on the SuperLock technology and get these shin pads instead, which feature all the other distinct advantages of the Nike Mercurial Flylite technology.
G-Form has reimagined what a shin guard can and should be with these ultra-lightweight soccer shin guards. Instead of the traditional pad and sleeve design, these Pro-S Elite shin guards combine the components into a single, seamless sleeve. Attaching the protective padding to the sleeves themselves allows G-Form to make these the best lightweight shin guards while also reducing overall bulk. The design also allows for the padding to better conform to your leg for optimum comfort.
While some companies try to improve upon the traditional technology of shin guards, these X Foil pads from Adidas prove that when it comes to protective gear, sometimes the classic approach is the most effective. These are simple and sleek, yet highly functional, making them ideal shin guards for soccer goalies. These pads feature a reinforced front plate and a cushioning memory foam backing for optimum performance. The compression sleeves are sure to hold the pads in place while also ensuring long-term comfort.
One of the weirdest trends in shin guard design has to be the fact that most pads are produced in an inorganic oval or rectangular shape that doesn’t really reflect the contours of most players’ legs. Nike’s Protegga shin guards are one of the best efforts at combating this trend. The anatomically correct shape and contours of these pads are designed to be so comfortable you’ll forget you’re even wearing them. In addition to this comfort, the pads are actually larger than most standard shin guards, providing better coverage and protection for goalies who need it the most.
Reusch’s Pixie Pro shin guards are a good option for goalies who prefer to wear shin guards with elastic straps rather than the compression sleeves that are more common on high-end shin guards. In addition to the unobtrusive elastic band, these shin guards are intended to be secured by your socks. Normally this isn’t a super secure method, but that is where the removable ankle guards come in handy. In addition to being up there with the best shin guards with ankle protection—which is a must for soccer goalies—these guards anchor the shin pads for a more secure fit.
The Ghost Graphic shin guards by Adidas make great shin guards for soccer goalies. The thick padding provides shock absorption as well as enhanced protection against impact, which is a must if you’re tending goal. The shape is relatively simple and symmetrical, but manages to provide considerable coverage. For a low-budget option, you can’t do much better than these soccer shin guards.
Every goalie has their preferred soccer equipment, including their favorite goalie gloves, their favorite cleats, and their favorite shin pads. If you already wear shin guards that you enjoy, there’s no reason to feel like you have to switch. One addition I have to recommend, however, is ankle guards. Good ankle protection is imperative for a goalie, and these G-Form ankle guards provide sleek, lightweight, effective protection in spades. If you’re considering guides to choosing the right soccer shin guard and you don’t have built in ankle padding on your list, I implore you to consider picking up some ankle guards.
What Equipment Do Goalkeepers Need To Buy? — Full List – Top Goalkeeping
What goalkeeper equipment do you really need to buy? What equipment is optional?
Some goalkeeping equipment is essential — but there’s also a whole range of extras you may also be interested in. So I’ve divided the following goalkeeper equipment list into two sections:
- Essential goalkeeper equipment. The bare bones. Stick with these to save yourself money.
- Optional goalkeeper equipment. Invest if you’re looking to improve specific areas of your game.
This post should save you both time and money.
Essential Goalkeeper Equipment
1. Goalkeeper Gloves
Gloves are, by far, the most important item of goalkeeping equipment. Investing in decent goalkeeper gloves is a necessity.
So what should you look for in a pair of GK gloves?
For goalkeepers starting out, right up to the higher levels, I recommend the Rectrix 1.0 Goalkeeper Gloves. They provide maximum comfort, grip, flexibility — and value for money. They’re perfect for both amateurs and club goalkeepers looking to improve their game.
All orders come with free delivery (next day for Amazon Prime members), and can be purchased directly from Amazon or RectrixSport. com.
Rectrix GK Gloves are just £29.97 from Amazon, and come in White or Black. Free delivery.
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Full Rectrix Review »
SPONSORSHIP: Rectrix are currently running a "buy 2 pairs, get a third FREE" sponsorship promotion on gloves purchased through Amazon. Terms & conditions apply. Full details are published on the Rectrix Sponsorships page.
Rectrix 1.0 Glove Specification
- Negative cut (stitched on the inside)
- Contact latex palms & Dumbo Foam backhand
- Quick-use Latex strap (Velcro)
- Includes additional slits for enhanced hand and finger flexibility
- Complimentary zip case
- Designed alongside academy keepers
- Superior quality & value to leading sports brands
- Comes in White or Black
Rectrix 1.0 gloves are produced from premium, long-lasting materials.
Buy the complete set for just £29. 97 from Amazon.
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Full Rectrix Review »
Check out my detailed goalkeeper glove top 10 list for 2020.
Whatever gloves you decide to buy, bare in mind that there’s no substitute for good technique. Gloves will improve your grip — but won’t ‘supercharge’ your overall skill level!
2. Football Boots
There aren’t too many specialist goalkeeper football boots. The ones advertised online as ‘GK boots’ tend to just be generic football boots marketed to keepers, or worn by pros. So your choice of boots is entirely down to preference.
I personally prefer the quality, feel, and lifespan of Nike and Adidas boots over Puma and other brands I’ve worn. I always aim for boots which feel light when I try them on — because when you traipse through mud on a match day you could do without the additional weight.
Like classic-looking boots?
The Nike Premier 2.0’s (FG) are great value, light, and comfortable.
Just £48.50 on Amazon.
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If you have a higher budget (£60+), or prefer more snazzy designs, check out the Nike Vapor range.
These are one of my favourites pairs.
The Importance of Studs
When it comes to football boots, it’s vitally important for keepers to wear the correct studs for the conditions they’re playing on.
We’ve all seen it when footballers (including pros) slip multiple times during a game. Just imagine the consequences of the goalkeeper continually losing their footing.
The main types of football boots are as follows:
- Firm ground (FG): by far the most popular type. Designed to give maximum grip and comfort on natural grass pitches in dry to slightly wet conditions (e.g. summer, frozen pitches in the winter).
- Soft ground (SG): designed for wet, rainy match-days. There are two main variations of this type — the traditional 6-stud configuration (e. g. Puma King), or the modern mixed sole (e.g. Nike Mercurial).
- Artificial ground (AG): designed for increasingly popular 3G and 4G artificial pitches. They’re a safer and more comfortable option than FG or Astro Turf.
- Astro Turf: designed for sand or water based surfaces (old style artificial pitches).
- Indoor: for hard-floor dry surfaces (e.g. sports halls). They include soles made up of a non-marking rubber. Typically used in small sided games — such as 5-a-side or futsal.
Depending on what conditions you train/play on, you’ll most likely need 1-2 types of boots. It’s best not to cut corners on your footwear; it’s dangerous to wear boots incompatible with the surface (e.g. using soft ground studs on an artificial pitch).
Check out the video I’ve featured on my Goalkeeper Mud Guide to fully appreciate the importance of using the right studs..
3. Padded Shorts or Trousers
Diving onto hard ground or artificial surfaces can cut, graze — even burn — your exposed skin. Goalkeeper trousers and shorts are designed to protect you from high-impact landings, in the toughest of playing conditions — from grass to astro turf, to 3g pitches.
I highly recommend investing in some padded trousers and/or shorts. Personally I’d play matches in shorts, as rain and mud adds weight to your clothing and hinders movement. Save the trousers for training.
Adidas Men’s Tierro Goalkeeping Trousers are my favourite.
At £17-24 with free delivery they’re great value.
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Club branded goalkeeping shorts can be a bit flimsy.
But for less than £20 with free delivery, Uhlsport provide a good quality, padded pair.
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You can also buy goalkeeper shorts and trousers from goalkeeping outlets such as Just-Keepers.com. We’ll be looking to stock our own Rectrix padded trousers in the near future, too.
4. Padded Jersey
The majority of professional goalkeepers wear a long-sleeved padded jersey to offer protection to their arms, elbows, and sometimes shoulders. If it’s brightly coloured, it also makes it easier for your team mates to see when you’re coming (e.g. to claim a high ball).
When playing on dry or hard surfaces, you have to feel confident that when you hit the ground you’ll be protected by your clothing. Otherwise, instinctively, you may try to protect your body before making the save.
If your team doesn’t provide a jersey with adequate protection — invest in one yourself.
Unfortunately many padded tops are hideous. This one from Puma is smart, though.
Less than £30 on Amazon.
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5. Water Bottle
A sports water bottle has made my list of essential goalkeeper equipment for a few reasons:
- On a bone-dry hot day you may need some moistness on your glove palms to improve the grip of the latex. I prefer to have my gloves very slightly damp to touch.
- In murky conditions you may need to rise off some thick excess mud from your gloves or boots.
- You might get thirsty during a game!
I must admit, I’ve played in some awful conditions. Keeping a sports water bottle by the post was a good habit to get into.
Sports water bottles are surprisingly expensive (and prone to leaking!).
Here’s one that’s good quality for less than £5.
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6. Glove Towel
Glove towels help keepers maintain grip on their gloves throughout the game. It makes it onto my list of essential goalkeeping equipment because there’s really no good reason not to have one. In fact, any soft lint-free towel will suffice — there’s nothing particularly unique about a glove towel.
The idea is that in extremely wet, muddy conditions you can wipe your gloves clean whenever you have a spare moment. I recommend hanging it in the side netting for quick access.
After all, the last thing you want is for the ball to feel like a bar of soap whenever you try to catch a shot at goal, or a cross played into the box.
While you don’t need a specialist branded towel, you can pick up on Amazon for just over £17.
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An alternative product for goalkeepers in the USA. $18.99 on Amazon.
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7. Socks & Shin Pads
Football socks are a necessary item of goalkeeper equipment; regular sports socks won’t protect your feet from blisters.
It’s also crucial, and mandatory, that you wear shin pads. They’re especially important for goalkeepers who dive at the feet of attackers (and therefore get kicked and studded on a regular basis).
Most popular brands of socks and shin pads will do fine. I prefer to use shin pads with built-in ankle protectors. With so many crunching 1v1’s, keepers benefit from having that extra layer.
I’ve worn Nike Charge 2.0 shin pads for three years.
They’re less than £15 from Amazon.
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Adidas provide football socks for all sizes.
You can pick most popular colours up for less than £5.
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8. Waterproof Jacket
The final piece of ‘essential’ goalkeeper equipment to make my list is a waterproof training jacket. Wearing one ensures that you’ll (at least) start games feeling a warm and fresh — rather than slippery, wet, and heavy.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a goalkeeper training jacket. You can pick up one for £15+ at specialist online stores.
I recommend the Nike Park18 Rain Jacket for keeping warm and dry before games.
Prices start at just £18 on Amazon.
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Optional Goalkeeper Equipment
1. Agility Ladder
Use agility ladders for footwork and fitness training in the garden, over the park — even indoors if you have enough space. It’s practically an essential item of goalkeeper equipment.
Your GK coach will almost certainly provide agility ladders in training. They’re a great low investment for any goalkeeper.
Agility ladder + 4 stakes (which keep it secured to the ground), 10 cones, and carry bag.
The full set is just £15.99 from Amazon.
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2. Cones
To setup simple drills yourself, purchase a set of cones (or the above agility ladder set, which includes cones).
Use cones to practice footwork, fitness and to create match-like deflections. Take a look at my post How Can Goalkeepers Improve Their Reflexes? to see how cones are used in training.
A set of 50 football cones, complete with a carrying mask, is only £12.97 from Amazon.
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An alternative product for goalkeepers in the USA. $19.95 on Amazon.
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3. Knee Pads
If you’re keen to wear shorts (recommended for real games), then you leave your knees exposed to hard ground.
Luckily there’s some light-weight & unobtrusive knee pads designed for all sports. You might decide to wear them in training, or if your knees are particularly sensitive and require some extra protection.
Elastic Junior knee protectors can be purchased for £11.99 on Amazon.
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Alternatively, Bodyprox makes another (bulkier) product. £12.99 on Amazon.
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4. Finger Tape
Many goalkeepers use finger tape to give them a little extra strength and protection.
I’ve never personally felt the need for it — but then again I played with fingersave gloves for long spells. Finger tape offers an equivalent level of protection without loss of hand flexibility.
Heletic sports tape is made of 100% cotton fabric, is waterproof, breathable and completely latex-free.
£16.98 from Amazon (Europe)
Buy On Amazon (EU) »
An alternative, similar product for goalkeepers in the USA:
Buy On Amazon (US) »
5. Protein
This one’s for the older guys.
Do you feel the need to bulk up a little? Are you lacking the strength needed as a keeper?
I recall the shock of going from U18 into men’s football. The game was far more physical. I went from being one of the most physically developed, robust players on the pitch to taking heavy knocks in almost every fixture. I had the height and physique — but lacked the natural strength that comes with age. Protein intake, accompanied by the right gym workouts, certainly would’ve helped.
TheProteinWorks is one of Europe’s fastest growing Sports Nutrition Brands.
All fitness requirements are catered for by their extensive, innovative product range.
Also eligible in Non-UK Countries:
Germany »
Ireland »
France »
MyProtein provides a range of over 2,500 premium quality supplements.
Everything is produced in-house, guaranteeing the highest possible quality.
Visit MyProtein »
6. Wrist, Ankle, & Elbow Supports
Supports are used to assist with recovery from moderate ligament and tendon injuries.
If you’re fresh back from an injury then joint supports will provide a bit of additional stability, and help make you feel more confident in training and/or games.
A thin wrist & thumb support can fit underneath your gloves if you go up a size or two.
Only £9.99 from Amazon.
Buy On Amazon »
7. Baseball Cap
Every keeper has experienced the sunlight shining in their eyes. And it’s a nightmare to play with.
Outfield players can afford to misjudge the high ball when they’re blinded by the sun. But when a Keeper experiences the same issue, the consequences are fatal. You can’t afford to let the weather conditions get the better of your performance.
Despite a baseball cap looking slightly unorthodox out on the football pitch, it can be a life-saver.
Uhlsport offer a baseball cap with an easy-to-use velcro strap.
Only £8.95 from Amazon.
Buy On Amazon »
8. Glove Wash
Glove Wash is another item that came close to making my list of essential goalkeeper equipment.
Without glove wash, your goalkeeper gloves will dry out, offer less grip and become more prone to tearing. Specialist glove wash fluids are designed to maintain the performance of your gloves and improve their lifespan.
Precision’s glove wash works wonders. It restores the grip of goalkeeper gloves with ease.
£10.79 from Amazon.
Buy On Amazon »
Also check out my Goalkeeper Glove Care Guide for more information on prolonging the life of your gloves.
9. GPS Tracker Vest & App
If you’re keen to work on your fitness, nutrition, and in-game positioning, then you could invest in the latest innovation in football training: GPS tracking vests.
The Playr GPS vest is designed to analyse and improve your game. It provides advice for preparation, performance and recovery with expertise on training and nutrition from Premier League coaches.
Using the app you’re able to analyse speed, sprint, distance, and positioning via heatmaps, to gain a full understanding of your game. Compare your numbers against friends and professional players to see how you match up.
The Playr GPS vest is increasingly being used by players and coaches.
It holds 5* reviews on Amazon, and costs £159.99.
Buy On Amazon »
10. Rebound Net
Rebound nets are used as a training aid for volleys, first touches, headers and — most importantly — goalkeeping saves.
You can add a challenging and unpredictable element to your training drills, as demonstrated in my Goalkeeper Reactions & Reflexes post. A great piece of equipment, if you have the space.
The RapidFire rebounder provies excellent bounce, and is made of a sturdy yet manoeuvrable fold-away frame.
It’s £89.99 from Amazon.
Buy On Amazon (UK) »
Buy On Amazon (US) »
11. Ball Launcher
Launchers provide excellent (and consistent) service to goalkeepers practicing high balls, low fast balls, penalties, shots on goal, backpasses and several other drills.
The patented Powapass machine is remote controlled, portable and rechargeable. It features adjustable angles and speeds, a four hour battery life, and a high power motor capable of shooting up to 20m (or a total passing zone of up to 45m). It comes with 5x balls.
Adult supervision required for use by under 16’s. It’s £950 on Amazon (European countries only).
Buy On Amazon »
12. Training Goals
If you want to train at home in the garden or over a local park, then you might be interested in purchasing your own goal.
There are many excellent training goals on the market to suit all requirements and budgets. For the majority of Keepers, a mid-sized goal would offer the optimal balance of size, portability and value for money.
I recommend the Samba range of mid-size goals which start at just £69.95.
Buy On Amazon »
Also see: Review of the Best Training Goalposts.
I’ll continue to add to this list of goalkeeper equipment as new items hit the market.
Related
Which are the best shin pads for a goalkeeper?
We always hesitate when considering which types of shin pads are the most suitable depending on the position on the field. Shin pads can be long or short, can cover the sides of the leg or just the front side, can be implemented by ankle pads, can be different thickness or made of different materials. In a nutshell, there are lots of shin pads in the market and we must know the best fit for each player. If no two goalkeepers are the same, neither the protection they need.
According to a study by J. Noya1 , football injuries are estimated at 3,1% per each 1000 hours of exposure. This study was based on all injuries during a whole season in the Spanish First League. There are no further studies on this subject and, regarding this 3,1% number, we do not know which injuries were minor, moderate, or severe with lifelong impairments.
There are two main factors that determine the kinds of shin pads a goalkeeper must wear: the age and the 1×1. Still, we will also analyse in this article other secondary aspects.
AGE
Age is key in order to choose the type of protection for a player, not only in terms of football shin pad, but also for any other sport. Medical bibliography is very well developed in this field and we have known for a long time how the bone growth works. To sum up, we are born with a very delicate and flexible cartilage structure that becomes calcified and gets stronger and stronger as we grow older.
At these ages, a hard blow can lead to a bone oedema, osteochondritis, fracture, or break. I am quite sure many of you have had any injuries in the team due to Osgood-Schlatter disease or also because of Sever disease, both growth osteochondritis. While it is true that children tend to heal more easily than adults, sometimes metaphysis do not heal well and the consequences are severe, as dysmetria or bone deformities. Therefore, we recommend the following:
– At preteens ages: for boys from 0 to 14 and for girls from 0 to 12 years old, we recommend covering 75% of the shinbone2.
Example 1: the optimal fit of a shin pad for an 8-year-old boy (120cm tall approximately) should be 18cm (75%)
Example 2: the optimal fit of a shin pad for a 13-year-old boy (146cm tall approximately) should be 23cm (75%)
– Teenagers: between puberty and age 21, we recommend covering between 50 and 75% of the shinbone. At these ages, the optimal fit is 14-20cm approximately (50-75%) depending on the player height.
– Players from age 21 and on: there are less chances of injuries and therefore we recommend covering between 25/50% of the shinbone in adulthood. If a player is 170cm tall, that means that his/her shinbone is 38cm approximately. In this case, we recommend 10-19cm shin pads.
1X1
Another key factor when choosing the right type of shin pads for a goalkeeper or any other protections is to determine how many times finds him/herself in front of a striker. Sometimes these plays lead to hits, 50-50 ball situation, a bad clearance by the goalkeeper, a bad wall position that leaves too much space, etc. These are situations in which both the striker and the goalkeeper may not be able to measure the intensity of their strength because the goal is very close and there is a lot on stake. In the middle of the pitch though, we can decide if collapsing and fight for the ball, or let it go and withdraw rapidly.
In the goal, most of the time, chances are that both players end on the ground, with studs out and whatever it takes.
In consequence, if we observe many 1×1 plays in our matches, we should choose the shin pads with best protection, meaning they must cover most of the shinbone, so the side of the leg will be more protected. If possible, they should use ankle pads, too or shin pads with ankle pads included.
THE WEIGHT
This is a less relevant factor, but it is also worth mentioning because we know studies that link lower weight to higher performance. There is a very interesting research by Valter di Salvo3 where he measured the distance covered by the players, and the goalkeepers’ average was 5km. So, based on those studies and according to Franz RJ5 , a goalkeeper can save about 0,7-1% of his/her oxygen consumption during the match. Therefore, because of the increasing of the jump distance and the reduction of the consumption of oxygen, it has been proven that the less your equipment weights, the better (including the shin pads).
In that matter, carbon fibre shin pads are unmatched, because they are half the weight of the ones made of plastic: about 30-40gr per unit, depending on the manufacturer; while any sport shin pad made of plastic weights 70-80gr/unit.
SHAPE OF YOUR SHINBONE
The morphology of your shinbone is key to choose the right shin pad. Some people have very curvy shinbones (Blount’s disease or Mau-Nilsonne Syndrome), and others have skin deformities such as cyst or scars that make impossible a proper shin pad fit. Shin pads are usually cylindrical in shape, which leave hollow spaces between the legs and the support. If you are lucky, you may find some brand that makes shin pads using anatomical moulds and, therefore, with a more functional shape.
Still, if you have any type of major deformity in your shinbone, you will better get custom shin pads.
In conclusion, there is not a general solution because each and every goalkeeper is unique and, based on different parameters, the goalie must protect him/herself in greater or lesser degree. For precaution, we always recommend erring on the side of overprotection, because in case of frontal blow, the consequences can be terrible. You never know when you can suffer from a major injury such as a shinbone fracture, but it is important to be prepared to avoid injuries and lifelong impairments.
The Complete Goalkeeper- Head-to-Toe Soccer Goalie Equipment Gu
***This article is part of an educational series for soccer parents and youth players new to soccer***
At its core, the appeal of the beautiful game stems from its simplicity. All you need is a ball to get started. But when you move beyond pickup footie games, the gear requirements start to grow.
Today’s players are bigger, stronger, and faster than ever before. Having the right gear gives players the edge they need, as well as the protection that keeps them in the game. With harder kicks and bigger collisions, this is especially true for goalkeepers.
Today, we take a look at everything you need for a complete soccer goalie kit.
What Equipment Do Soccer Goalies Need?
It’s time to get game-ready for your match. In this section, we’ll get into the basic equipment that soccer goalies need, from head to toe.
Soccer Goalie Headgear
Headgear may soon become an essential piece of equipment for the modern goalkeeper. Soccer head injuries are a real risk and good headgear has recently been shown in clinical studies to have the potential of reducing the risk of head injuries. With every save made near opposing players, goalies are at risk for collisions. With every shot, there is a chance of sub-concussive impact.
While there is no silver bullet solution against head injuries in soccer, for players and parents that want to play it safe, soccer headgear may represent a practical option.
Product Recommendation: The ExoShield Head Guard is the #1 rated soccer head guard, estimated to reduce the risk of head injuries by 84%.
Goalkeeper Gloves
As the only players allowed to touch the ball, gloves are among the most important pieces of soccer goalie equipment. They help to protect your hands as well as improving your grip.
Top quality goalkeeper gloves keep keepers fearless and ensure a good hold no matter what conditions you’re playing in. Look for gloves with finger spines for greater protection, and German latex for the best possible grip.
Product Recommendation: The Gladiator 2-Pack. This two-pack comes with both the Legend & Elite gloves. Built-in finger protection protects your hands, and removable finger spines allow you to adjust to your comfort and play style. The Legend gloves offer greater wrist stability for game day play, and the Elite is ideal for games or practice.
Shin Guards
No player can get through a season without taking a few kicks to the shins. Impacts to the shins can range from annoying abrasions to broken bones, so it’s worth throwing on some protection. It’s also the only protective equipment most leagues require players wear.
Like players, soccer goalies need to have shin guards in their kit. Shin pads are cheap and easy to find, but most of them present two issues: first, they only protect the front of your shin, leaving the side of the leg exposed to tackles and impact with the ground during dives; second, shin pads slide around in your socks. To solve these issues, leg guards with shin guard pockets are becoming increasingly popular as a complement to traditional shin guards. This is because they offer protection in areas not covered by traditional shin pads, along with great flexibility and comfort.
Product Recommendation: The BodyShield Leg Guard. These leg guards use a flexible foam that absorbs up to 90% of impacts. Slip-in shin pads are not included, so make sure to have a pair handy.
Cleats
It’s not just your hands that need the right grip. To keep your footing in any conditions, you need a good pair of soccer cleats. They help keep you from slipping, allowing for better movement and agility. For added control, consider wearing gripping socks.
Product Recommendation: SpeedGrip Socks 2.0. Wearing a pair of SpeedGrip socks inside your cleats keeps your feet from slipping or shifting inside the shoe. This allows for more responsive movement and prevents blistering or chafing.
While that wraps it up for the soccer goalie equipment essentials, you can get more out of your game with a few key accessories.
Useful Accessories for Soccer Goalies
If you want to play like a pro, you need to dress like one. All the extra soccer goalie equipment isn’t for show, it helps them play at an elite level. In this section, we’ll take a look at some of the key goalkeeper accessories that can elevate your game.
Padded Undershirt
For goalkeepers who make big dives, a padded undershirt helps keep you from having to sacrifice your body to make the save. Your goalie jersey on its own will not keep you safe from painful turf burn and abrasions.
The additional protection keeps goalies in the zone, allowing them to dive without fear for uncompromising gameplay.
Recommended Product: BodyShield GK ¾ Undershirt. This goalkeeper undershirt is lightweight and sweat-wicking, while still offering optimal protection. Flexible XRD® material absorbs up to 90% of impact.
Arm Sleeves
Goalkeepers who don’t opt for an undershirt may want to consider an arm sleeve. Soccer arm sleeves provide lightweight, flexible protection that keeps your joints warm and prevents turf burn.
Recommended Product: The BodyShield Arm Guard. Unlike the sleeve, the arm guard offers added protection, so goalkeepers can focus on the game, with no fear of impacts or abrasions.
GloveGlu
Get a grip. To get the best performance out of your goalkeeper gloves, spray them with GloveGlu. A single treatment improves the glove’s grip on the ball.
Recommended Product: GloveGlu GK Formula. The GK formula helps goalkeepers get a strong grip in any situation, regardless of the weather.
Padded Shorts
Padded shorts or 3/4 pants offer further protection. As with padded shirts, this legwear protects your body from the impact or turf burn that often results from sliding and diving. They’re well-suited for goalies with aggressive playing styles.
Recommended Product: BodyShield GK Sliders 2. The new design improves on bend lines, offering greater flexibility. There are built-in pads on the thighs and tail bone for added protection where you need it most.
Protective Leggings
Leggings can be used in conjunction with padded shorts, or in place of padded pants. Protective leggings don’t offer the same padding against impacts as pants, but they do provide maximum flexibility while still preventing turf burn.
Recommended Product: BodyShield Turf Burn Leggings. The BodyShield leggings are appropriate for goalies and players alike. In addition to high-quality performance materials, they also have a unique shin guard pocket to hold shin pads securely in place.
Knee Guards
The knees are two of the most important joints in your body, but they’re also surprisingly fragile. Padded knee guards give extra protection to help keep your focus on the game. High stock canvas allows soccer goalies to reduce turf burn while diving or sliding on their knees.
Recommended Product: BodyShield Knee Guards. These guards offer premium knee protection made with high-quality, flexible material.
Soccer Insoles
When you need maximum traction and responsiveness out of your shoes, you need specialized insoles. Most insoles aren’t designed for traction, leading to slipping feet, a slower reaction time, and reduced control.
Recommended Product: SpeedGrip Insoles. Patented heel cup design and materials lock your feet into place for explosive speed and performance. They’ll help improve your traction in wet or dry conditions. SpeedGrip Insoles can be used in conjunction with SpeedGrip Socks.
Whether you decide to stick to the basics or upgrade your goalie kit with a few accessories, you’ve now got everything you need. You can take to the pitch, confident that you’re fully outfitted for performance and safety.
Cleats
Equipping keepers the right way 03/02/2011
By Tim Mulqueen
During training, goalkeepers should be dressed for maximum protection: long pants, long sleeves, and shin guards. I prefer that keepers always wear
shin guards at practice, not only to protect them from injury, but also because they have to wear them in games and should be used to them.
Long pants are especially important at the lower
levels of competition, where practice fields can be hard and rocky. There’s no reason to risk scratches and scrapes that can be prevented by covering up the skin. During games, keepers can wear
shorts if that’s what they’re most comfortable in. But if the game is on artificial turf, the keeper should use long pants.
Some goalkeeper jerseys and pants come with padding.
These may be good options if the padding does not constrict movement and if the keeper feels comfortable wearing them. Fortunately, the technology has advanced in recent years, and padded wear (e.g.,
elbow and hip protection) isn’t as bulky as it used to be.
For the most part, any equipment that prevents injury and doesn’t impede a keeper’s movement is beneficial. You
can let a young keeper wear elbow pads at practice if it makes her feel more confident. However, knee pads really don’t offer much protection. In addition, allowing keepers to wear knee pads can
send the message that it’s OK to fall on the knees, encouraging a technique that is not only improper but may also lead to injury.
Keeper gloves are a necessity, and various types
are available. In general, keepers should look for gloves that help kill the pace of a hard-hit stinging ball without giving up mobility. The modern foam palm provides shock absorption without causing
the keeper to lose a feel for the ball. How thick a glove the keeper wants is a matter of personal preference.
The average youth keeper will probably be fine in a relatively thin glove.
Goalkeepers often switch to thicker gloves when they reach the highest levels, where shots fly much faster.
A club or a keeper coach may have various types of gloves that keepers can try
out. At a store, keepers should try out the various gloves and have someone toss some balls to them—while doing as little damage to the shop as possible!
After determining how thick
a padding you like in the palm, what matters most is the right fit. The gloves shouldn’t be too tight. Fingers in a glove, like toes in a shoe, need a little bit of wiggle room in front. But
there shouldn’t be too much room between the fingertips and the end of the glove. The extra material gets in the way and can impede the keeper’s ability to get a good grip on the ball. If
there’s so much extra fabric that it can be bent back or folded over, this indicates that the glove is too big.
The choice of what kind of cleats to wear depends in large part on the
playing surface. For higher-level keepers who play on nice grass, screw-in cleats are the best option.
Goalkeepers cannot afford to slip when they take those few crucial steps before
getting to the ball. Because keepers don’t have to run all over the field, they can afford to wear screw-in studs even when the field isn’t perfectly soft. And they need the extra grip
that the screw-in studs offer. Younger keepers, who often play on fields that are harder than elite-level fields, will usually find that molded cleats suffice. But they should never wear flats or
artificial turf shoes when playing on real grass because this will result in a loss of traction.
Without good traction, the keeper won’t be able to dig in and get a good push toward
the ball. The keeper will also have difficulty trying to explode off the line or change direction quickly and jump.
Because teams play on various fields throughout the season, a keeper may
want to own more than one set of soccer shoes: molded for hard grass, screw-ins for softer fields, and artificial turf shoes. (Molded cleats can work well on modern artificial fields, which have more
give than the older synthetic turf fields that were more like carpets than grass.)
The bottom line is that keepers can’t risk slipping or falling. I always have my players come to
the field early so they can test their cleats on the game field before the warm-up. This gives them plenty of time to change into the best shoes.
(Excerpted from “The Complete Soccer
Goalkeeper” by Tim Mulqueen with Mike Woitalla courtesy of Human Kinetics.)
(U.S. Soccer Federation coach and instructor Tim Mulqueen has been goalkeeper coach for U.S. national teams at the U-17 World Cup, U-20 World Cup and
at the 2008 Olympic Games. He’s been a goalkeeper coach in MLS, for the MetroStars, and the Kansas City Wizards when they lifted the 2000 league title.)
90,000 Which pads are best for goalkeepers? – GoalkeepingDepo – Blogs
Have you ever wondered which type of guards suits you best based on a number of personal characteristics such as your age, weight, calf shape …? Today Albert Giralt, our friend, physiotherapist and orthopedist, wrote a surprisingly interesting post that everyone should read.
We are always in doubt when trying to figure out which type of shin guards are the most appropriate, depending on the position on the field.The shin guards can be long or short, they can cover the shin on the sides or only the front part, they can have pads on the ankle, they can be of different thicknesses or from different materials. In short, there are many different shin guards on the market and we need to know which is best for each player. If there are no two identical goalkeepers, then the same defense will not work for them.
According to a study by J. Noya, injuries in football occur in 3.1% of cases for every 1000 hours of play. This study is based on injuries of the season in the Spanish La Liga.There is no further research on this issue, and we do not know for this 3.1% which of the injuries were mild, moderate or severe with consequences.
There are two main factors that determine which shin guards should be worn by a goalkeeper: age and playing style in 1 × 1 situations. However, in this article we will cover other minor aspects as well.
Age
Age is a key factor in choosing the type of protection for a player, not only in terms of shin guards but any other sport.The medical literature in this area is very well studied, and we have long known what the process of bone growth is. To summarize, we are born with a very thin and flexible cartilage structure that is saturated with calcium and gets stronger and stronger as we get older.
At this age, a strong blow to the lower leg can lead to bone edema, osteochondritis, cracking or fracture. I’m pretty sure many of you on the teams have had any kind of injury due to Osgood-Schlatter disease (osteochondropathy of the tibia tuberosity) or Sever’s disease (calcaneus epiphysitis), both of which are associated with increased osteochondritis.While it is true that children tend to recover faster than adults, sometimes the metaphysis does not heal properly and the consequences can be serious, such as dysmetria (disorder of coordination of movements) or bone deformities. Therefore, we recommend the following:
– In childhood: for boys from 0 to 14 and girls from 0 to 12, we recommend covering 75% of the tibia area.
Example 1: The optimal size of the visor for an 8-year-old boy (approximately 120 cm tall) should be 18 cm (75%).
Example 2: The optimal size for a 13-year-old boy (approximately 146 cm tall) should be 23 cm (75%).
– For adolescents: From puberty to 21 years of age, we recommend covering 50 to 75% of the tibia. At this age, the optimal size is approximately 14-20 cm (50-75%), depending on the player’s height.
– Players 21 and older: are less likely to get injured, therefore we recommend covering 25-50% of the tibia in adulthood.If a player is 170 cm tall, this means that his shin is approximately 38 cm.In this case, we recommend pads measuring 10-19 cm.
1 in 1
Another key factor in choosing the right type of goalkeeper shield or any another defense is the determination of how often he is directly in front of the attacker. Sometimes rallies end in shots, dropped ball situations where the chances of the players are 50-50, bad goalkeeper clearance, bad wall position leaving too much room, etc.e. These are situations in which both the striker and the goalkeeper cannot always correctly assess the distance and their intensity, because the goal is so close and there is too much at stake. However, somewhere in the middle of the field, we can decide whether to engage in single combat for the ball, or let the opponent take the ball and then enter the tackle.
In most cases, in the goal area, there is a possibility that both players will end the episode on the ground with spikes pointed at the opponent and will fight for the ball at any cost.
Therefore, if we see a lot of 1 × 1 situations in our matches, we should choose shin guards with enhanced protection, that is, they should cover most of the tibia, so that the face of the bone will be as protected as possible. If possible, you should also use ankle pads or shin guards with such pads.
Weight
This is a less significant factor, but it is also worth mentioning because there are studies that associate less weight with higher performance.There is a very interesting study by Walter di Salvo in which he measured the distance covered by the players and the average for goalkeepers was 5 km. Please note that due to the increase in jumping distance and decrease in oxygen consumption, it has been proven that the lighter the weight of your equipment, the better (including shin guards). In this respect, carbon fiber shields are unmatched because they are half the weight of plastic ones: about 30-40 g apiece, depending on the manufacturer; while any plastic shield weighs 70-80g / pc.Thus, based on these studies and according to Franz RJ, a goalkeeper can save about 0.7-1% of his oxygen consumption during a match.
Tibia shape
Tibia morphology is the key to choosing the correct shin guard. Some people have very wide shin bones (Blount disease or Mau-Nielson syndrome), while others have skin deformities such as cysts or scars that make it impossible to fit the shield correctly. Shields are usually cylindrical in shape, leaving uncovered areas between the pivot points and the shield.If you’re lucky, you might find a brand that produces shin guards using anatomical shapes, which are undeniably much more functional.
However, if you have a severe deformity of the tibia, it is better to purchase special shields.
In conclusion, there is no general solution, because every goalkeeper is unique and, based on different parameters, the goalkeeper must defend himself to a greater or lesser extent. As a precautionary measure, we always recommend leaning towards more sophisticated defenses, because in the event of a direct hit, the consequences can be dire.You never know when a serious injury may occur, such as a tibial fracture, but it is important to be prepared to avoid injury and consequences.
Bibliography:
1 Noya. J, Et.al Incidencia lesional en el fútbol profesional espanol a lo largo de una temporada: días de baja por lesión (2011)
2 Belmonte. T Estimación de la estatura a través de la tibia en la población española contemporánea (2012)
3 Di Salvo, Et.al The Journal of Sport Medicine and Physical Fitness (2009)
4 Carbonplus (www.carbonplus.es)
5 Franz J.R. Et.al Metabolic cost of running barefoot versus shod: is lighter better (2012)
Translation of the article miporteria.com
Original: https://www.miporteria.com/en/which-are-the-best -shin-pads-for-a-goalkeeper /
VK group: https://vk.com/goalkeepingdepo
How to choose hockey pads. Sizes of hockey knee pads
The knee joint is one of the largest and most complex-structured joints in the human musculoskeletal system.Even a minor injury can cause long-term discomfort and affect the player’s behavior on the court, and over the length of the rehabilitation period, it can break many records. Hockey pads or knee pads are an element of a player’s equipment that protects the knee joint, calves and shin of the player from falls, blows with a club or puck hits, from cuts by the blades of skates. Even just going out on the ice to “try”, you need to have reliable leg protection, preferably individually selected. How to choose the right hockey pads…
When choosing hockey shin guards, one should be guided by the role of the hockey player (defender or striker) and, therefore, what kind of load they will be subjected to. All ice hockey knee pads, both beginner and professional, are divided into three types: for defenders, for strikers and for goalkeepers.
Guards for defenders have a wider design and provide an increased level of protection. Often they are provided with an additional pad that covers the calves.But the high level of protection also carries disadvantages: it is difficult to move quickly in such knee pads.
Striker pads are easily recognizable by their streamlined design. They are narrow, graceful and lightweight. In such knee pads it is convenient to move swiftly, attacking the enemy.
Goalkeeper pads are longer than usual. There are no special rules in the selection of the goalkeeper’s leg protection: the main factor is the athlete’s subjective feelings. Particular attention should be paid to how the patella is positioned.If the knee pads are “yours”, then the kneecap should rest, resting on a soft cushion.
Structurally, hockey shields consist of two main parts: a knee cap made of impact-resistant plastic; Tight-fitting shin protector made of various foams. Depending on the model, the cushioning pad may have multiple layers, a lateral wraparound shin protector and an adjustable / removable ankle protector. Regardless of the manufacturer, the hockey shin guards are secured with anchoring straps made of elastic material.Most of the knee pads are equipped with special “Velcro”, which allows you to comfortably fix the protection on the leg.
When choosing hockey shields, it is necessary to take into account the features of the rest of the hockey player’s protective ammunition.
For example, it is necessary to take into account that during operation they constantly come into contact with hockey pants in the area of the kneecap. The pad of the knee pad should be partially under the hip protector of the shorts, but at the same time, this “connection” should not interfere with flexion / extension of the knee joint.Those. shin guards and shorts must not cling to each other during play. To do this, it is advisable to put on both of these items of equipment during the fitting and sit down several times. Subjective feelings when trying on will be the main criteria for choosing.
Also an important place to pay attention to when selecting hockey shin guards is where they come into contact with the skates. The ways of combining these items of equipment are individual. This is how some hockey players tuck the tongue of the skate under the visor, while others prefer to leave the tongue outside.In any case, the main criterion for choosing is comfort and convenience.
To select the correct ice hockey pads , measure the length of your shin from the middle of the kneecap to the top of the skate and find the corresponding size in the size matching chart below. Calf length is best measured while sitting. Check the hit in the other parameters shown in the table, such as height, weight and age of the player.
Hockey pads size correspondence table
ATTENTION: The dimensions given in the table should only be taken as guidelines.Dimensions may vary depending on the manufacturer.
BAUER SHIELDS | SIZE | AGE | WEIGHT, kg | GROWTH, cm | LENGTH, cm (See picture) | ||
YOUTH / KIDS | S | 7“ | 4 – 7 | 18 – 27 | 15 – 18 | ||
M | 8“ | 5 – 8 | 20 – 29 | 18 – 20 | |||
L | 9“ | 6 – 9 | 23 – 32 | 114 – 140 | 20 – 23 | ||
JUNIOR / JUNIOR | S | 10“ | 8 – 11 | 27 – 41 | 130 – 142 | 23 – 28 | |
M | 11′ | 9 – 12 | 32 – 45 | 25 – 28 | |||
L | 12“ | 11 – 14 | 36 – 50 | 150 – 163 | 25 – 30 | ||
SENIOR / ADULTS | S | 13′ | 14 + | 54 – 73 | 165 – 175 | 30 – 33 | |
M | 14′ | 14 + | 170 – 180 | 33 – 36 | |||
L | 15′ | 15 + | 73 – 91 | 36 – 38 | |||
XL | 16“ | 15 + | 82 – 100 | 180 – 190 | 38 – 41 | ||
2XL | 17′ | 15 + | 91 + | 41 – 43 | |||
3XL | 18′ | 15 + | 100 + | 192 + | 43 – 46 | ||
EASTON SHIELDS | SIZE | GROWTH, cm | |||||
YOUTH / KIDS | 7“ | ||||||
8“ | |||||||
9“ | |||||||
JUNIOR / JUNIOR | 10′ | ||||||
11′ | 134 – 146 | ||||||
12” | 146 – 153 | ||||||
SENIOR / ADULTS | 13′ | ||||||
14” | 165 – 177 | ||||||
15′ | 177 – 183 | ||||||
16“ | 183 – 195 | ||||||
17“ | 195 + | ||||||
REEBOK / CCM SHIELDS | SIZE | GROWTH, cm | |||||
YOUTH / KIDS | 8“ | – 110 | |||||
9“ | 110 – 120 | ||||||
JUNIOR / JUNIOR | 10′ | 120 – 130 | |||||
11′ | 130 – 140 | ||||||
12” | 140 – 150 | ||||||
SENIOR / ADULTS | 13′ | 150 – 160 | |||||
14” | |||||||
15′ | approx.175 | ||||||
16“ | approx. 180 90 126 | ||||||
17“ | approx. 185 | ||||||
18“ | 190 + |
Modern shields make goalkeepers more mobile
Watching the matches of the past, it is hard not to notice how much the appearance of goalkeepers has changed.
Today’s hockey players say that in the past, goalkeepers seemed very small. First of all, their size is striking, but the main difference is how they move.In many ways, the changes in the mobility of goalkeepers have become possible thanks to new technologies in the production of goalkeeper equipment.
In the past, goalkeeper leg guards were sewn from leather and stuffed with deer hair, trying to match the shape of the leg. During the game, they got wet and became very heavy. Now they use foam and synthetic materials for their production, which makes them very light. Such changes made it possible to radically change the way goalkeepers play.
In the past, goalkeepers preferred to play standing up because kneeling was unwise.In order to shift to the side, they had to rise from their knees to a stance. Moving on the knees was very difficult due to the shape and design of the leg guards.
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Goalkeepers don’t have to get off their knees now. The new guards allow them to move from barbell to barbell in a butterfly, maintaining balance, being able to play with their hands and closing the gate securely.
The butterfly style became popular thanks to Patrick Roy, who defended the gate of the Montreal Canadiens in the mid-1980s. However, it took about ten years before the goalkeepers began to move along the goal on their knees, and only after some more time did shields appear, made specifically for this style of play.
Jamie McLennan has 254 NHL appearances. He played from 1994 to 2007, but he was never able to adapt to such movements, which made him very upset.
“Some of the pucks flew into my goal because I was moving in the goal while staying on my feet.For example, the goal I was scored in Buffalo. The opponent rolled out from behind the gate. If I were on my knees, I would have easily hit the puck, ”says McLennan, who is now commenting on the games for TSN. “Modern goalkeepers can easily cope with such situations, and then I missed two goals because I could not move in the goal in the bottom post.”
Nowadays, some goalkeepers move on their knees as well as on skates. mid-1990s It is unlikely that this would have been possible without changes in the production of leg guards.
“The change in goalkeeping equipment has been driven by both new trends in goalkeeping technique and new technologies. The original ratio was 60% to 40% in favor of technique,” says Kevin Weeks, who played 348 NHL games from 1997 to 2009. years. – Over time, this ratio began to change, and equipment began to change. ”
During the 1999-2000 season, Wick played alongside Roberto Luongo at the New York Islanders. According to him, Luongo was already trying to move while remaining in the butterfly stance, but he did not have shin guards to help him move quickly on his knees.
“When I started learning this style of play, the guys from Quebec and Luongo were already playing that way,” says Weeks, now a commentator for NHL Network. “butterfly. So it all started with the goalkeeper’s manner of play. She was ahead of the changes in the production of equipment.”
The first noticeable changes were made in the shape of the leg guard. Traditionally, it was tied tightly to the leg, wrapped around the ridge.This limited the goalkeeper’s mobility, because he easily lost his balance when he went down on the ice and played on his knees.
In the 1990s, some goalkeepers stopped fixing their shin guards to their feet. This allowed them to move their feet, dropping onto the ice, while the pads remained turned towards the thrower. In the 1990s, some shin guards made some changes to their products, although most still made older models that wrap tightly around the leg and knee.
Then there were pads with additional knee protection so that the goalkeeper could calmly lower himself onto the ice, and a modified shape of the inner edge of the shield, so that it was easier for him to slide on the ice on his knees.
“At one time, I played with Bob Essensa. If he wanted to sit on the butterfly, he had to lower the shields with the outside on the ice. This was the only way he could fall on something soft,” says Martin Biron, who played with him. The Buffalo Sabers in the 2001-02 championship, the last of Essena’s 12 NHL seasons. “Then there were new shin guards, and he had the ability to close the house and move around on his knees.”
The new shin guards also helped relieve tension in the thigh muscles by allowing goalkeepers to engage in a wider butterfly stance and better balance.
“I was in that,” says Mathieu Garon, who played 341 league appearances from 2000 to 2013. “I remember when shin guards with a flat inner edge appeared. It changed a lot. There was no longer any need to be afraid of falling back or sideways. It was a very significant change. ”
Manufacturers have continued to work in this direction, introducing new materials that make it easier to slide and improve knee protection.They also developed a new, taller model of goalkeeper skates that allow the goalkeeper to push harder and faster off the ice.
Goalkeeper equipment has changed a lot since Luongo, under the guidance of coach François Allaire, began to learn a new style of goal play. And the shields that will help him in this, he will receive only after five years.
“Everything has changed so much, you can go crazy,” says Luongo.
Watch goalkeepers while watching classic NHL games and you will agree with him.
Similarities between football and field hockey
Many sports are similar based on a common source. While football and field hockey do not appear to have descended from the same root, there are more than a few similarities between the two. Both have the same goal of getting ahead of the opposing team and fundamental similarities in field and team structure, although equipment and play times differ in each game.
Field structure
A field in every sport is often referred to as a “field”The field hockey field is 100 by 55 or 60 yards, while soccer fields must be at least 100 by 50 yards but can reach a maximum of 130 by 100 yards. Both sports have two goals, one at each end of the field, but field hockey goals are smaller compared to. A semicircle marks the ground in front of the field hockey goal. The football goal is surrounded by rectangles, six and eighteen yards, respectively. Football and hockey fields are marked with a 50-yard or half-yard line; Field hockey also marks the field 25 yards from each end line.
Command structure
In every sport you will find 11 players on the side – 10 outfield players and a goalkeeper or goalkeeper. Football and field hockey are mobile sports in which players run across all areas of the field to score and defend against goals. In both sports, there are defensive and attacking players as well as midfielders or midfielders. While they can technically roam around the field, defenders or defenders mostly play defensively, while attacking players or forwards are looking to score.The goalkeepers usually stay close to the target. However, in football, the goalkeeper can use his arms anywhere in the 18-yard box, but he must use his feet if he goes outside that area.
Equipment
Field hockey requires more equipment than football. Each player carries a stick with a flat and rounded side; players can only touch the ball with the flat side. Field hockey balls are small and hard, made of hard plastic.Protecting outfield players requires the wearing of mouth guards and shin guards, while goalkeepers must wear goalkeeper pads, which include shin and chest protectors, face mask, throat protectors and other additional padding. In football, everyone on the field, including the goalkeeper, must wear shin guards. Goalkeepers also wear gloves and long-sleeved jerseys with minimal padding on their arms. Soccer balls are bigger and filled with air.
Game Time
Football and field hockey are divided into two halves of the game – the professional soccer half lasts 45 minutes and the professional half 35 minutes.If the score ends at the end of a regular game, the football and ice hockey teams are given two extra periods to score. In field hockey, the number of players on the field decreases and the first team to score a goal wins. In football, the number of players remains the same, and you tend to play as much as you can. If the score remains the same in any sport, the game proceeds to a penalty shootout game in which each team selects five players – one on one and one chance – against the goalkeeper.
90,000 What does a hockey uniform consist of?
The Molodezhka series will start on CTC Love on May 21 at 19:00 , which means that soon everyone will only talk about hockey, the Bears team and their coach Sergei Makeev. There is very little left before the premiere, and before it we decided to bring you up to date and tell you a little about hockey. And let’s start with the hockey uniform: what does it consist of?
Hockey skates
It is quite obvious to yourself that a hockey player needs skates.It depends on them how quickly and skillfully the athlete will skate on the ice.
Stick
A stick to hammer the puck. They are different, differ in the material from which they are made. For professionals and semi-professionals, they are made from light woods, fiberglass, carbon and even titanium.
Helmet and face shield
The hockey helmet is made of high quality plastic. It should not be heavy, the fasteners should be comfortable and not chafe.It has a lining that is responsible for whether the athlete will feel the impact of the puck on the helmet.
Bib (carapace)
This piece of equipment is essential to protect the shoulder joints, chest and spine.
Hockey gloves (gaiters)
When playing hockey, it is very important to protect your wrists, fingers and the back of your hand. For this you need special gloves – leggings.
Shell
Protects against hits in the groin area.
Shields
Designed to protect the knee and shin of the hockey player.
The hockey goalkeeper’s outfit is significantly different from what other players wear. After all, the goalkeeper should place the greatest emphasis on safety.
So, the goalkeeper’s equipment includes a bib with reinforced protection in the elbow zone and chest, goalkeeper hockey shorts with reinforced protection, a trap (a large glove with which the goalkeeper catches puck), a blocker (a special glove to protect the hands, fingers and wrists ).
How to choose soccer shin guards – expert advice ILoveFootball.Ru
A soccer shin guard is a solid plate or a structure of several connected plates, made in the shape of the front part of the shin, and is designed to protect footballers’ feet from injury during the game. Depending on the modification, the protective structure (also called “shield” or “faceplate”) is supplemented with various fasteners. In addition to the fact that the football shield helps to avoid a direct impact on the shin, it also slightly reduces the force of the impact, distributing it over a large area.As a result, this protects players from bruises, abrasions and even fractures. Currently, according to the rules of the game (including amateur tournaments), all team members must be equipped with shin guards during a match.
Types of football shields
Structurally, there are 2 main types of shields.
With ankle guard
These models combine the visor itself, the lining, the ankle protector, as well as fastening elements – a strip that holds the visor on the foot and buckles on the upper part, which provide fixation on the shin.Such models are considered rather bulky and heavier, they restrict movement in the ankle, but at the same time provide the best protection. Recommended for novice footballers, as well as in cases where you know that your opponent has an aggressive tackling style, and the likelihood of injury to you is high.
Light version
Often also referred to as “built-in guards”. They can be a set of a front panel and fixing straps or a compression sleeve (“stocking”).Also, only the front panels themselves are on sale. This version of the shin guards is lightweight, it impedes the movement of a football player much less and almost does not affect the feeling of the ball. However, the level of protection of the lightweight version is an order of magnitude lower.
By type of structure, the shields are:
- Solid . Solid plate like Nike Mercurial Lite
- With inserts. For example with breathable elements like the Nike Mercurial Lite CR7;
- From plate set .Like the Adidas Anatomic Lite, consisting of 5 interconnected protective elements.
The former are heavier than multi-plate models.
For the manufacture of front panels, the following materials are used:
- Glass fiber . Differs in rigidity, but low weight and high strength.
- Polyurethane . Strong, but quite heavy material.
- Microporous rubber. Flexible and lightweight material with low strength.
- Plastic . Lightweight but rather fragile.
Inside most of the shields there is a soft foam cushion. It is often covered with a special fabric covering to better wick sweat and heat away from the athlete’s foot.
There are no uniform recommendations on the choice of shields on the material of their manufacture and type of structure: they are individual for each player based on the playing style of physiology and habits.
How to choose the right size soccer shin guards?
In order for the shin guards to provide reliable shin protection and not cause discomfort during play, it is important to choose the right size. Most sports equipment manufacturers offer the following size chart, which depends on the player’s height.
Height, cm | 140-150 | 150-160 | 160-175 | 175-190 | 190 + |
Shield size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
Correctly fitted flap starts just above the ankle and does not reach the knee by 5-6 cm.
In case you have a non-standard figure (for example, during the period of active growth, adolescents often have longer legs), it is better to use not the size table above, but the following formula: measure the leg from the beginning of the foot to the middle of the knee. Multiply the resulting number by 0.75. The final figure will be equal to the optimal length of the flap in centimeters.
How do I put on and secure my soccer shin guards?
The method of putting on and fixing football shields on the leg depends on the type of their design.Let’s analyze the main ones.
Bezel only
If you have purchased a Nike hard Shell Slip-in, first put on a sock over your foot. Take the shield, attach it to the front of the lower leg and secure it with the Velcro straps. Pull leg warmers over the shield. If there are no fasteners in the kit, put on the knee-length gaiter and simply insert the shield inside the gaiters.
For a more secure fit, use a tape – wrap your leg with tape just below the shield over the leg warmers, then make another circle – along the top of the shield.
Diffuser face and compression sleeve
Compression sleeve (aka “stocking”) can be supplied with a front panel, or it can be purchased separately. To begin with, put a stocking on your shin, and a leg warmer on your foot. Take the front panel and place it inside the stocking if it has a special pocket, or under the stocking if there is no pocket.
Pull the gaiters over the resulting structure. Additionally, the flap can also be fixed with a tape, or with a holder – a special stretching ankle cuff with Velcro.
Like the tape, the holder is put over the gaiters!
Bezel, stocking, sock and gaiter
Some footballers prefer to use not only stockings and leggings, but also socks. In this case, put on a stocking and a regular sports sock first. Insert the bezel into the stocking. Pull the sock so that its elastic forms an obstruction to the panel and does not allow it to slide down. If the sock is high, pull the elastic over the bottom edge of the panel.Put a gaiter on top of the resulting structure.
Dressing the flaps like Cristiano Ronaldo
If you have not yet decided on your style of wearing shin guards, try securing them in the same way as world renowned Real Madrid scorer Cristiano Ronaldo. This will require socks without a toe or heel, mid-calf socks and tape.
Put on the sock. We insert the front panel into it. It will be about half covered by the sock.On top of this structure, we pull a gaiter without a toe and a heel. We take the tape and wrap the leg several times a little lower than the shield itself is located for a more reliable fixation of the front panel.
Leg warmers without toe and heel can be made by yourself by cutting off the lower part of regular leg warmers, or you can buy in the online store. We have them presented in the category in the section “Leggings without toe and heel”.
Pay attention! According to IFAB rules, the color of the tape or retainer must match the color of the gaiters.
Put on shin guards with ankle protection
Shin guards with ankle protectors have strips and fixing straps. First, a low sock is put on the leg. Next, we thread the foot into the strap so that it is located on the heel. We spread the shield on the lower leg and fix it with straps.
We put on a gaiter on top of this construction.
It is believed that shields with protection do not require additional fixing methods. Even during active play, a properly selected model, complete with suitable gaiters, will provide the player with comfort and protection.
In the iLoveFootball.ru store you can buy shin guards and accessories for attaching them from world manufacturers – Adidas, Nike, Uhlsport. If you need advice, please contact our managers. They will help you navigate the range and choose shin guards that will protect you from injury while playing football.
About soccer shin guards. How to protect your feet from injury?
It is well known that in addition to sportswear and footwear, football players also wear special protection on their feet – football shields.No sport is complete without sprains, bruises and injuries of varying degrees. It is quite problematic for a football player to protect himself from injury, but this risk can be minimized by using protective shields.
Football shin guards are an important part of professional ammunition. They serve to protect the feet from injury when playing football.
Previously, a full set of equipment for a football player consisted of a T-shirt, shorts, shoes and long socks or leggings. But already at the end of the 19th century, another integral part of an athlete’s outfit appeared – these are football shields.At first glance, it may seem that they are not important for football players, but they are not, without them a player can get serious injuries during the game.
The first who dared to wear something like football pads was football player Sam Weller Widdowson, a player of the English club “Nottingham Forest”. This event took place in 1874. Sam put them on for the match on top of woolen leggings, but no one understood him and laughed at him. In this match, Sam received a strong blow to the shin, all partners thought that he would no longer be able to play, but Weller, as if nothing had happened, got up and ran further to score goals.After such an event, the players began to apply something similar to football protection. And soon shields were included in the mandatory equipment of athletes. The very first shin guards hampered movement and did not at all correspond to the speeds that athletes developed in their sport. After such inconvenience, the football patch was reduced and attached only to the most “important” places on the legs, for example, the lower leg.
Of course, today there is a significant increase in the difference in the design of modern shields from those that came up with the quick-witted Sam.We can say that when inventing such equipment, Weller showed his imagination. Many football players previously used cardboard, leather patches and even bound books, attaching them with straps. With such a trial method, blood circulation in the lower leg was limited, thereby causing spasms and the football players quickly tired. The players wanted to remove them as quickly as possible, and some even removed them during the match.
Care of the shields is very simple – you need to dry them after each game.
The function of the shin guards is to distribute the load over the entire surface of the leg in such a way as to soften the impact.
Differences between soccer shin guards.
Football pads are available with or without Achilles tendon and ankle protection. Athletes often strive to reduce the weight of equipment, so they use light shields without an ankle, creating a problem for themselves and for the doctors.
Football shin guards with inserts and solid. Shin guards with inserts are used by young footballers, they are lightweight and very comfortable.The all-over design of the soccer pads provide excellent protection, but are heavier than the previous ones. Adult players almost always opt for solid ones.
Football shin guards are made from materials that soften the impact on impact. The special TraumaLite technology contributes to the absorption of shocks by 80%. The internal construction helps keep the shin guards firmly in place on the player’s leg and are non-slip. If you don’t know which type of shin guards are best, then you can purchase a model with a removable ankle.When a young football player achieves certain skills and professionalism, then shin guards with ankle support may not seem very comfortable to him, restricting movement.
How to wear shin guards correctly?
If you have purchased soccer shin guards with stockings, put on stockings to protect the entire required area. Then insert the shields inside the sports stocking, and on top you need to put on leggings and boldly go to the playing field.
During serious official competitions, it must be remembered that football shields must be a few cm above the ankle and a few cm below the knee.
If you have purchased shin guards with ankle protectors, simply attach them to your leg and put on the football socks on top.
Football shin guards don’t tend to protect your leg from bone fractures when hit hard, so be careful in this addicting game.