Protective Gear - A Goalkeeper's Best Friend

As a goalkeeper, your body takes a beating game after game. Diving on the hard ground for saves, colliding with other players, and blocking powerful shots can all take a toll over time. That's why having the right protective gear is so important for any keeper wanting to perform at their best while avoiding injuries. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the key protective gear items that should be part of every goalkeeper's kit.



Compression Gear


Compression gear like leggings, shorts, and shirts provide important protection and support for goalies. The tight fit of compression gear helps prevent muscle strains and injuries by holding muscles tightly to provide support. This also improves circulation and can reduce fatigue. Compression shorts with pads built in provide padding for the hips and thighs when diving, especially on artificial turf or hard surfaces. 


Compression leggings protect the knees and shins from abrasions and bruises during slides and collisions. Compression shirts provide chest and arm protection from ball impacts and can also keep muscles warm. High quality compression protection gear  uses fabrics like spandex and elastane to provide maximum stretch and rebound. Popular brands for goalie compression gear include Storelli, Uhlsport, and Elite Sport.


Padded Shorts


Padded compression shorts are a must for goalkeeper protective gear. They provide extra cushioning on the hips, thighs, and tailbone when hitting the ground hard for saves. Thicker padding over key impact zones helps absorb collisions and shots, reducing bruising and pain. But padding shouldn't restrict mobility - some shorts use removable pads so keepers can customize protection. 


Others use stretch materials in the shorts themselves to allow free movement while keeping pads in place. This is important since keepers need full range of motion when react ing to shots. Shorts with 7mm or more of high-density foam provide optimal impact protection. Elite Sport and Storelli padded goalie shorts are excellent choices.


Gloves


While focused on enhancing grip and ball control, goalie gloves also provide protection for the hands and fingers. Finger saves can jam and sprain fingers if gloves don't have proper structure and padding. High-density foam or hardened plastic plates over the fingers and back of the hand are essential. This protects against hyperextension and fracture injuries from hard shots. 


Wrist Supports


Finger shields help prevent sprains and dislocations. Some gloves also have removable wrist supports and straps to guard against wrist sprains and impact injuries. When selecting goalie glove protective gear, look for advanced materials like latex, neoprene, and supatex which offer durability and flexibility. Brands like Reusch, Uhlsport, and Elite Sport offer high-quality padded goalkeeper gloves.


Elbow Pads


Despite padding from shirts, elbows can still take a beating during games from dives and contact with the ground or other players. So padded elbow sleeves and pads are important protective gear for goalkeepers. Look for sleeves with compression fabric to hold pads in place and provide muscle support. Padding should focus on the point and sides of the elbows for maximum protection. Some sleeves come with removable pads so padding can be adjusted. 


Others feature gel pads or hexagonal honeycomb padding for increased shock absorption and comfort. Elbow hyperextension and dislocation are common goalie injuries, so having quality elbow protection is key. Brands like Nike, Storelli, DashSport, and G-Form make excellent elbow pads and compression sleeves.


Headgear


Protecting the head from errant balls, knees, feet, and even goal posts should be a priority for goalkeepers. Soccer headgear like padded caps and helmets are essential protective gear. Lightweight foam or gel padding covers the top of the head, temples, sides, and back of the head. Some headgear comes with face masks or clear shields to protect the nose and eyes from impacts as well.


 Headgear with thick but breathable cotton or lycra covers absorb shock while wicking away sweat during games. Brands specializing in goalie head protection include Storelli, DashSport, Full90 Sports, and Protective Headgear. Having proper headgear reduces the risk of concussions and other head injuries.


Shin Guards


No goalkeeper gear is complete without shin guards to protect the shins and calves. Hard kicks, knees, and collisions with goal posts or cleats can bruise or fracture shins if not properly padded. Plastic, foam, or composite plates disperse impact forces across the shin instead of focused points. Compression sleeves hold guards in place and keep muscles supported. For ideal protection, make sure shin guards are sized appropriately and sit centered on the shins.

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