Lacrosse goalies do wear special gloves, though not too much different than those used by the other positions. Goalies need protection for the fingers, hand and the thumb, so they can make a save. Lacrosse goalie gloves are made with a number of materials, including nylon and leather which offers more protection than most attack and middie gloves. Most lacrosse gloves have added protection in key areas including the index finger, thumb and hand area which lasts longer and tears less than your run-of-the-mill attack or defense lacrosse gloves.
Lacrosse goalie gloves are designed differently than other gloves because the goalie needs more protection for his hand. Goalie gloves are more protective and offer more padding. The added protection goes in key areas such as the index finger, thumb, and hand which lasts longer and tears less than typical player gloves.
Lacrosse goalies wear so much padding for a few reasons. First, because their role is to deflect shots, the gloves need extra padding to protect their hands from impact and injury. Lacrosse is played with a stick in one hand and a goalie glove on the other hand, so having protection on both hands makes sense. Also, both gloves have this extra padding to prevent injury to their hands as well as the wrists that are exposed.
Lacrosse gloves should hug the hand, but not be too tight. If they are too loose they will come off easily when a lacrosse stick is passed or exchanged. Many lacrosse players choose a tighter-fitting glove to give them more control in their grip. If you wear a loose fitting glove, it is more likely to slip out of your hand during play. The other popular choice is a looser fitting glove that allows for more mobility while still providing protection and grip.
In lacrosse, the goaltender is the only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands. However, a goalie can not pick up or control the ball and a hand touch is only legal when it occurs within the crease.
Lacrosse goalie gloves vs. field player gloves: what's the difference?
The biggest difference between goalie gloves and regular field player gloves is in the thumbs. Goalie gloves have an extra layer of padding in the thumb, which helps absorb the impact on hard shots taken to the hand. Key attributes to look for when you're browsing goalie glove options include: flexibility, level of protection, and grip. You want to ensure that your gloves aren't too bulky, or it will hinder your flexibility. That being said, if protecting your hands and fingers is your top priority, then a bulkier pair of gloves is a good idea.
Popular lacrosse goalie gloves:
Maverick Rome RX3 goalie gloves: The Rome RX3 goalie gloves have one of the best thumb protection setups on the market. The thumb is low profile, lightweight, but exceptionally protective.
Brine King 5 goalie gloves: King 5 goalie gloves offer flexibility, comfort and protection throughout the whole glove. King 5 gloves also allow you to roll your wrist backwards and forwards with ease.
