Finger saves are an essential part of soccer goalie equipment. These small but crucial inserts are designed to protect your fingers from injury by preventing them from hyperextending.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what finger saves are, how they work, and why they are so important for goalkeepers.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
Table Of Contents
What are Finger Saves?
Finger saves are inserts that are placed inside the fingers of a goalkeeper’s gloves. They are made of a rigid material that helps to prevent the fingers from bending backward, reducing the risk of injury. Finger saves are designed to be flexible enough to allow the goalkeeper to grip and catch the ball while still providing enough protection to prevent injury.
How do Finger Saves Work?
Finger saves work by limiting the amount of movement that the fingers can make when a ball hits the gloves. When a ball impacts the gloves, the finger saves keep the fingers from bending backward, reducing the risk of injury.
The rigid material in the finger saves absorbs the force of the impact, distributing it evenly across the fingers. This helps to prevent finger injuries such as hyperextension, sprains, and fractures.
==>>You can also read my article on the recommended fingersave goalkeeper gloves here.
Why are Finger Saves so Important for Goalkeepers?
As a goalkeeper, your hands are your most important asset. Without them, you wouldn’t be able to catch the ball or make crucial saves. Unfortunately, the very thing that makes your hands so important – their flexibility – also makes them vulnerable to injury.
Finger injuries are some of the most common injuries suffered by goalkeepers. Research shows that finger injuries account for around 20% of all goalkeeper injuries. These injuries can range from minor sprains to more serious fractures that require surgery.
In addition to physical pain and discomfort, finger injuries can significantly impact a goalkeeper’s performance. Even a minor finger injury can make it difficult to grip and catch the ball, which can lead to costly mistakes and goals.
Finger saves help to reduce the risk of finger injuries by providing an extra layer of protection. Limiting the amount of movement that the fingers can make, help to prevent hyperextension and other types of injuries. This allows goalkeepers to play with more confidence and reduces the likelihood of mistakes and goals.
How to Choose the Right Finger Saves
If you’re a goalkeeper looking to invest in finger saves, it’s important to choose the right ones for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:
- Material: Finger saves can be made from a variety of materials, including plastic, foam, and metal. Plastic and foam finger saves are the most common, as they are lightweight and flexible. Metal finger saves are more rigid and provide more protection but can be heavier and less flexible.
- Size: Finger saves come in different sizes to fit different glove sizes. Make sure to choose finger saves that are the right size for your gloves to ensure a proper fit.
- Flexibility: Look for finger saves that are flexible enough to allow you to grip and catch the ball comfortably, but rigid enough to provide protection.
- Brand: Look for reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality goalkeeper equipment. Some popular brands of finger saves include Reusch, Uhlsport, and Nike.
- Price: Finger saves can range in price from around $10 to over $50. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in high-quality finger saves can save you money in the long run by reducing the likelihood of finger injuries.
Do Professional Goalkeepers Use Finger Saves?
Yes, professional goalkeepers often use finger saves as a way to protect their fingers from injury. Finger saves are essential for goalkeepers, regardless of their level of play, to reduce the risk of hyperextension, sprains, and fractures.
Many professional goalkeepers rely on high-quality goalkeeper equipment, including finger saves, to help them perform at their best and reduce the risk of injury on the field.
For example, Jan Oblak.
Reusch, Uhlsport, and Nike are just a few of the top brands that offer high-quality finger saves and other goalkeeper equipment.
==>>Also read: What gloves do professional goalkeepers wear?
Do you Lose Flexibility and Ball Control when Wearing Finger Save Gloves?
Wearing finger save gloves can potentially affect flexibility and ball control, but it depends on the design and fit of the gloves. Some lower-quality gloves may have stiff finger spines that restrict finger movement and hinder ball control, while others are designed to be more flexible and allow for a better grip on the ball.
With that being said, It’s important to choose finger save gloves that strike the right balance between protection and flexibility, as well as offer good grip to handle the ball effectively.
It’s also a good idea to try on different brands and models to find the ones that work best for your individual needs and preferences.
Ultimately, if you choose the right finger save gloves, they can help protect your fingers from injury while still allowing you to maintain good flexibility and ball control on the field.
If you need goalie gloves that meet all the criteria mentioned above, check out Reusch.
Wrap Up
Finger saves are a small but crucial piece of equipment for any goalkeeper. They help to prevent finger injuries and allow goalkeepers to play with more confidence and perform at their best.
When choosing finger saves, it’s important to consider factors such as material, size, flexibility, brand, and price to ensure you get the best possible protection and performance.
Investing in high-quality finger saves is not just about protecting your fingers, but also about ensuring that you can continue to play and enjoy the game you love for years to come.
A finger injury can sideline you for weeks or even months, but with finger saves, you can reduce the risk of injury and play with more confidence and peace of mind.
So if you’re a goalkeeper looking to take your game to the next level, consider investing in a pair of high-quality finger saves – your fingers will thank you!
Don’t forget to check out my article on the best Reusch Fingersave goalkeeper gloves here.
