I just moved to a new club with their own goalkeeping coach. One of his requirements is that we wear keeper tops and padded keeper shorts... I hope this is only for training. He says looking the part, even during training is good for yourself and to show others that you are a serious keeper.
Now I don't mind the keeper top, but does anyone else think it's a bit ridiculous that we're forced to wear padded keeper shorts during training? I would understand if it was brand obligation, but it isn't. I just think players in general should wear what they prefer within reason, in this case, normal field players shorts.
What are your views on it?
Goalkeeping is not just a position on the field, it is a way of life, it is an attitude on and off the field.
Well, he's the coach.
However, if wearing padded keeper shorts is "looking the part," I'd like him to show me the pros that wear them. Not too many.
I can understand wanting your keepers to protect their body in training, but in that case padded undershorts would actually be better.
Agreed. I can see wearing padded shorts for practice but whether they are over or under shouldn't matter. I would also ask...what does he wear during training? if it's his rule he should be wearing the same thing as the rest of the keepers. I'd also point out (Like justin07 said) that you don't see many pro's wearing padded shorts for training. Most of the time it's a longer short or 3/4 pant. I'd find a couple pictures of your favorite keepers in training and wear what they have on. If he asks you can pull out the pics and say you are dressing the part.
I wear padded keeper shorts but it's not like I really need them, but on some of the fields I play on the goalmouth can be strewn with small rocks and stuff.
I am curious to find out how many of you wear padded keeper shorts.
Also, don't most of the pros wear padded undershirts and shorts?
I mainly wear compression shorts under normal game shorts. If the field conditions call for it or if it's field turf, I'll wear padded comression shorts. That seems to be the norm.
It's hard to know for sure what pros wear as a base layer, but I don't think the majority wear padded under gear. I base this on when keepers take their jerseys off after games, or sometimes being able to see the Under Armour or Canterbury logo on their compression shorts or shirts. To me the majority seem to wear unpadded compression gear. We know Antii Niemi wears the padded McDavid gear, not sure how many others do too tho.
Maybe buschy can shed some light on keeper habits around MLS. Those guys play on turf quite a lot more than European keepers, so I would expect some padding at least for those games.
He does wear the same thing that we are supposed to, so that's a good thing I suppose. I'll just have a discussion with him about training wear. He seems like a reasonable enough guy.
i don't know anyone who trains in a goalie top. It's like outfield players training in the same team kit they wear for games. I your coach is being a bit silly.
The easiest thing for me to wear are 3/4 trousers, they prevent cuts and scrapes and are also very comfortbale & flexible. I always thought padded shorts were only used for keepers in matches anyway.
I like the idea that he getting you guys to all look smart, but i dont think wearing padded shorts and jerseys are the way to go.
Maybe a sweatshirt/t-shirt with 3/4's is more practical training wear, and they dont have to be padded if you are playing on grass.
I dont wear padded shorts for games anymore, just padded undershorts with unpadded shorts.
UEFA 'B' Licence Goalkeeper Coach
I have several keeper tops I wear in training. Also a variety of padded shorts etc. My preference in padded compression shorts undr a normal pair of shorts. I always do that for matches.
Yes, you should look the part when playing, training and coaching. However, padded shorts does not necessarily make you look the part. Normal shorts are as good. Also, proper training gear certainly works and looks the part. Show up in a Tempest overall for training when it's raining and you'll know what I mean. In training, it's likely best to have a long pant as you will be repeatedly be sliding and diving and gives the highest likelihood of getting abrasions.
I think you will find that many pros wear padded compression shorts under the normal shorts. Part of the reason will be that it's the team kit and they don't supply them padded. And some kit brands just don't make them at all. If you look carefully during matches you will occasionally see a goalkeeper brand logo on the compression short below the normal short.