A goalkeeper’s glove must take into account a variety of factors, such as its size, material, shape, cut, and price. The reality is that kids may need some advice to decide while adults can try on different models to determine what fits them best.
The following tips will help you choose suitable gloves for your kids’ goalkeepers.
Cut Of The Glove
Apart from the size, you should also pay attention to the cut of the gloves. When it comes to choosing the right cut, there is no universal answer – it all depends on the preferences of your child.
There are many types of cuts available on the market today. It is generally considered a traditional finger cut that offers excellent grip without restricting movement. Negative cuts provide a more snug fit and are more suitable for skinnier hands. Choosing a flat palm cut may be the best option for your child if they want extra comfort.
When it comes to choosing the right cut for children, it can be difficult since they cannot determine what looks best on them. It is recommended that you try out multiple cuts before deciding.
The Size Of The Glove
When the size is correct, it is more comfortable, provides better protection, and has an excellent grip. Buying kids goalkeeper gloves that are too big may prevent them from catching the ball correctly. Alternatively, your child will experience discomfort if the gloves are too small.
The size of each pair of gloves is indicated on the packaging. It usually comes in sizes ranging from two to eight:
- A size two is suitable for children aged five and up
- Size three is for children who are six years old
- A size four is suitable for children between the ages of 7 and 8
- The size five is for children who are nine years old
- In sizes six and seven, children aged nine to 12 can wear them
- For children over the age of 13, sizes 8 and up are recommended
Remember that this is just a general guideline for size. It is possible to find variations among different styles and designs. Thus, make sure you double-check before you buy.
To make them as comfortable as possible, you should leave some space between the fingers and the top of the gloves. In ideal conditions, the distance should be half inches and not less than one-fourth inches.
The Environment
Aside from the glove’s physical characteristics, the environment is one of the most important considerations. Make sure your child knows where he or she will train and play matches. Depending on the weather, some gloves are better suited to indoor and dry conditions. On the other hand, some models are more effective when they are wet.
The Latex
On the palm of kids’ goalkeeper gloves, there is a material called latex. You will feel comfortable, protected, and have a good grip when wearing it. Therefore, selecting the right type is crucial.
Giga Grip, Mega Grip, and Super Soft are the three most common latex types.
There is a standard latex called Super Soft. This product performs better when dry, which makes it ideal for high temperatures. In contrast to the other two types, Super Soft does not cling to fingers.
The “high-performance” latex is also known as Mega Grip. As long as it is slightly wet, it performs best, and it is usually less expensive than Giga Grip gloves. These goalkeeper gloves are traditionally better for training purposes when they are made from this latex type.
Giga Grip gives you an excellent grip, but you must dampen it to get the best results. The extra comfort it provides is one of the reasons why many prefer it.
Is There Anything Else You Should Know?
Most people recommend buying kids’ goalkeeper gloves made of lower-quality latex, which may surprise you. Several reasons contribute to this. First of all, young players who are playing football for the first time will not know how to use gloves properly. Beginners tend to go through gloves much faster than experienced players because their technique is still developing.
A second factor is that even experienced players sometimes decide to purchase low-quality latex gloves. Goalkeepers need to have gloves of high quality during matches and lower quality during training. Purchasing top-quality models doesn’t have to be the case if your child does not plan on playing games shortly.
Choosing the right kids’ goalkeeper gloves can be a challenge, but remember there are no “bad” gloves, just ones that might not fit your child well.
Discover Your Perfect Fit
If you aren’t sure what type of gloves to buy for your kids’ goalkeeper, talk to your coach or an older player. They will be able to advise you on which gloves are most popular among children. Goalkeeping equipment can also be purchased from stores such as Just Keepers, who specialise in this field. They will assist you in finding the right fit for your child because their employees have years of experience.