GK ADVICE FROM JUST4KEEPERSNORTHTEXAS

Did you know most keepers and parents of keepers, get this wrong

And that is in the summer months, they tend not to wear padded goalkeeper gear which is a mistake because the ground is much harder.

I know it sounds crazy, but keepers wear padded gear in the winter but normally this is when the ground is soft, so padding is not really needed for the most part.

Also if the conditions are wet or muddy, this adds weight to the padding.

So, you have this poor keeper trying to move around a wet or muddy field, weighed down by their padding and clothing.

So really for the most part padding is not needed on winter muddy fields.

Then in the summer months, keepers tend to wear non padded gear and will wear shorts and a t shirt, which can be a big mistake.

Reason Number 1: The fields are hard, so if a keeper has not mastered their diving and landing technique and they land wrong on a hard surface, this can be very very painful.

Reason Number 2: Grass Burns. Having a grass burn is one of the most painful things a keeper can have. I still have scars on my elbows and hips from the burns I got playing as a young keeper.

So from personal experience and coaching thousands of keepers over the years, I know this is one of the worst injuries a keeper can have.

I know it can be hot wearing padded goalkeeper gear in the summer, but really guys, you should be wearing padded gear in the summer… not the winter.

And me personally, I would rather be that little bit hotter wearing this gear but knowing that I have that protection from grass burns and impact from landing.

If you are a parent or a coach of a soccer club, you should INSIST your child/keeper wears padded goalkeeper equipment, especially if the grounds are hard and dry!!!

Also another problem, especially the young keepers, they see their favorite professional keeper wearing short sleeve jersey and little to know padding, and think OK cool, I will follow my hero.

But the problem is, their hero for the most part is playing on a perfect, soft watered pitch, so the chances of them getting a grass burn or landing on a hard surface is next to zero.

I know its good to try and follow in your hero’s foot steps… but sometimes you have to realise they play on much better playing surfaces, so you cannot copy them all the time.(and this is where parents and coaches MUST step in and help and advise young keepers)

I hope this tip helps… I do mention this tip at least 2 to 3 times per year because I think it is so important that I educate keepers and parents who do not realise the importance of wearing the correct padded goalkeeper gear when playing on hard and dry playing surfaces.

Also please pass on this tip if you know a young goalkeeper!

So I hope this tip helped guys

Safe goalkeeping!

Get your gloves and equipment here https://txn.j4ksports.com/

Coach Ben

469-919-9584

benibrannigan@just4keepers.com

book your sessions here

https://just4keepersnorthtexas.godaddysites.com/