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Most modern goalkeepers couldn’t imagine playing the game of soccer without wearing goalkeeping gloves. For
many young players, goalkeeping gloves have become a symbol of the responsibility and importance of the
keeper’s role. Here are some practical considerations for the use, selection and care of goalkeeping gloves.
Use of GK Gloves
A common question that I am often asked is; what is the purpose of goalkeeping (GK) gloves? First of all, the
gloves are not a substitute for good safe hands. The hands “receive” the ball, so good hand placement and
proper catching technique are essential to effective goalkeeping. The gloves can provide extra friction to absorb
and handle the ball. In inclement weather, GK gloves help the keeper to overcome wet, muddy and windy
conditions that make controlling the ball more difficult. On very cold days, GK gloves help to keep the keeper’s
hands warm and flexible. Second, for older players, constant training and receiving balls struck with a greater
pace can be “wear and tear” on the hands. Web designed gloves, for example can actually help to protect against
overuse hand injuries and the dreaded jammed finger! Third, a GK glove’s palm surface is designed similar to an
automotive racing tire. The softer the surface, the more adhesive, responsive and expensive the glove is. In
addition, gloves with softer palms are designed for match play and wear out very, very quickly. More serious
keepers should have a training pair and match play pair of gloves. The training pair should be similar in shape
and feel, but should have a palm made of more durable material. Remember that players play as they train. So
be sure that your training equipment is similar to the gear that you play in.
Selection for Proper Fit
GK gloves should fit snug like a second skin. I recommend a firm fit to promote firm and stable fingers. Some
coaches and players like to have room at the fingertips. Too much room, however, could lead to poor handling of
high crosses and shots taken above the shoulders. The keeper should be able to move all fingers and make a
complete fist comfortably. It is a good feature to have flexible wrist snaps to keep the glove in place. Basic gloves
are effective and affordable for younger players through age 12. If the player is showing greater interest and
potential in goalkeeping at age 13 or older, then a more durable and sophisticated GK glove should be
considered. For advanced keepers, who participate in travel, Olympic Development Program and high school
activities, several pairs of gloves may be needed to accommodate various weather and field conditions, and to
provide even wear from frequent use.
Proper Care of Your GK Gloves
Like most of your soccer gear, proper care will help to ensure that you get the most from them. GK gloves should
be allowed to dry out thoroughly between uses. This helps to prevent tears and that “awful smell” from bacteria
and fungi that grow in those damp fingertips. A good travel tip is to place an old terry cloth face or hand towel
between each glove to absorb moisture, accelerate drying and prevent the palm surfaces from sticking together.
Dirty gloves should be washed in a sink of warm water and mild detergent. Avoid wringing or twisting the gloves.
Gently squeeze and pump each glove with your hands to move the warm water through them. Depending on how
dirty the gloves are, you will probably have to wash the gloves several times with a new batch of fresh warm water.
Rinsing the gloves requires the same process as washing. Use warm water only and repeat the process until the
suds disappear. To dry, lay a folded terry cloth towel on the floor and place each glove palm down on the towel.
Next, place another terry cloth towel on top. With your bear feet, gently walk on the towels to squeeze water out of
the gloves. Last, place the damp gloves in front of a fan and let the air movement dry them completely. Do not dry
your gloves using a heat source or sunlight. These methods will cause damage. Take good care of your gloves
and they will help you to perform at your best.
Mike Curry is the Director of The Goalkeeping Academy, a center of goalkeeping development for coaches
and players in the mid-Atlantic region. Mike is an active member of the National Soccer Coaches Association of
America serving as a Staff GK Coach and member of the Board of Directors. He can be reached at the e-mail
address: mckeeper@chesco.com.
Coaches of recreational teams face the common dilemma of finding enough time to provide attention to
goalkeeping during their weekly team training sessions. In addition, most recreational coaches find themselves
coaching alone and have several players that serve in the position of goalkeeper. Here are five practical
considerations to increase goalkeeping development activities into weekly team practices:
1. Consider having a parent assist you with goalkeeper (GK) training; A parent could be instructed to administer
GK training to dedicated keepers while the coach is working with the remainder of the team. For teams where the
keeper position is rotated, the parent or parents could assist with administering several “skills stations”. GK
instruction could be one of the stations that players rotate to during the practice session.
2. Consider incorporating keeper skills into team warm-up exercises:
• Warm-up could begin with “Shadow Dance” where a player stands in front of the team and moves randomly
forwards, backwards and sideways. The team faces the leader and “mirrors” the player’s movements to improve
concentration, reaction, balance and footwork.
• The “Hot Potato” warm-up is catching and receiving balls in a large 40 by 40-yard grid. Use one ball for every
four players and instruct them to throw the balls to any open player who must immediately get rid of the ball. Most
throws are taken as throw-ins and received as a keeper. Exceptions are balls rolled along the ground that are
also received as a keeper. The balls can’t stop; players can’t stop moving; and the balls and players can’t leave
the grid!
• The “Cat and the Mouse” warm-up uses the same 40 by 40-yard grid. Players work in pairs developing dribbling
and goalkeeping skills. The object is for one player to dribble within the grid and keep the ball away from their
partner. For beginners, the chaser attempts to dislodge the ball with their feet and then can use their hands to
scoop it up. The pair changes roles each time possession of the ball changes. More advanced keepers can
chase the ball and attack with their hands and body to develop courage, footwork, timing and body positioning for
breakaway saves.
• The “Bottoms Up” warm-up creates a game realistic exercise to develop receiving high crosses and shots
above the shoulders. Players of equal size and weight work in groups of three with two sitting side by side with
their legs extended forward and hands on their knees. Facing the seated players is a server who touches a ball
on the ground and then tosses it into the air. At this moment, the two seated players must get to their feet and
position to catch the tossed ball in the air. The winner becomes the new server; otherwise the group continues to
play until there is a winner.
3. Consider team distribution exercises; This is a great way to improve distribution accuracy of balls thrown or
played with the feet. Have five players stand in a circle approximately 10 to 15 yards in diameter to start. Each
player has been given a number from 1 to 5 and a ball is given to one of the players. The player with the ball calls
the number of another player in the group and then chips, punts or throws the ball to the player whose number
was called. The receiving player catches the ball as a keeper then repeats the call and serves to another player,
but not the one who just served. The diameter of the circle should be increased according to the skill level and
ability of the players.
4. Consider using the keeper position in every small-sided exercise; Often coaches forget to take the opportunity
to design a keeper’s role into exercises where there are shots, distribution of balls back into active play and
restarts. For example, in shooting exercises, if the keeper makes a save he/she is usually not required to
distribute the ball. The ball is usually tossed casually back to the serving line. A suggestion is to have the keeper
who makes a save, attempt to throw, punt or kick the ball to target areas established forward and wide of the
penalty area. If a goal is scored, consider having the keeper take a goal kick to serve the ball back to the shooting
line. After a goal is scored in small-sided games, consider having the goalkeeper restart the activity with a goal
kick or a pass to a defender who begins the effort to work the ball forward from the back. These changes are
simple to implement and will increase player confidence and tactical awareness.
5. Consider conducting “walkthroughs”; This technique is used often for baseball and basketball players. The
coach creates a common situation and then has the players walk through what they would do to as a solution. At
baseball practice, I am sure you have heard, “now base runners on first and second with one out – if the ball is hit
to you, what is your play?” We can create scenarios in soccer to help reinforce very basic considerations of spatial
relationships, positioning, supporting and reducing risks. To be successful, it must be very basic and very
simple! To be effective, you must encourage the players to make decisions on their own. One of these key
decision-makers is the keeper.
Enjoy your season and remember that above all, your top priority is keeping the game fun to play.
Cold temperatures present a challenge for the soccer player. Performance of power and endurance in related
activities like running and jumping is adversely affected by decreased muscle temperature. Tolerance to cold
weather and an increased capacity to perform is enhanced through proper warm-up, increased fitness and
appropriate clothing.
To keep comfortable in cold weather, players have to do more work. Consequently, the more fit an athlete is, the
more likely they can do more work. In addition, training and conditioning in cold weather helps the athlete
acclimate more readily to the cold. You have heard the expression "players play as they train". Goalkeepers must
prepare for cold weather play by training and conditioning in a similar environment.
Optimal performance in sports relying upon quickness and power requires elevating muscle temperature before
competition. In a cold environment, achieving this warm-up is more difficult and may require wearing heavier
clothing, exercising more intensely and/or longer, and continuing the warm-up activity until immediately before the
competition.
Here are some helpful suggestions for goalkeepers to consider:
Select clothing that will accommodate gradual metabolic heat production and remains comfortable during the
game. There is a tendency to overdress, and this can lead to sweat accumulation. Plan to use multiple layers of
clothing to take advantage of the air that is trapped between the layers. Consider a knitted hat to wear during rest
periods, substitution or halftime to reduce heat loss through the head. Consider investing in a pair of triathlete
gloves that are thin and warm to wear during rest periods. Keep a small container of petroleum jelly in your game
bag. This substance can be applied to exposed skin (especially the lips, face and legs) to delay chapping. It can
also be used to help weatherproof your shoes.
Avoid rapid cooling after exercise. This is extremely important during substitutions! Although heat production is
reduced when a player comes out of the game, the rate of heat loss remains at a high level. It is recommended
that you add clothing immediately. Keepers should carry an extra pair of socks; a sweatshirt and rain gear in their
game bag at all times.
Enjoy the season. Hopefully, this information will be helpful in keeping you healthy and increasing your competitive
edge. You can obtain more information on this topic and others at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute at
www.gssiweb.com. It is informative and free!