Proper Goalie Training and Gear for Artificial Turf Fields

The Importance of Proper Goalie Gear for Turf Fields

Goalkeepers face a unique challenge when playing on artificial turf fields. The different playing surface calls for specialized equipment to meet the demands of diving and sliding on turf. One essential piece of gear is a saddle barn turf vest designed specifically for goalies.

How Saddle Barn Vests Protect Goalies on Turf

Standard goalie uniforms leave the hips, tailbone, and elbows vulnerable to abrasions from turf burns. A saddle barn vest features additional padding in these high-impact zones to prevent injuries during saves. The vest ties securely around the waist and shoulders to stay in place when diving and landing hard on the playing surface.

The vest protects the spine and torso while still allowing full freedom of movement to react to shots. For goalkeepers constantly hitting the turf to make saves, the extra cushioning helps avoid bruises and keeps them playing at 100%.

Finding the Right Fit and Style

Saddle barn vests come in different styles to suit a goalie's needs and preferences. For maximum coverage, some vests wrap entirely around the torso and fasten with velcro or snap closures. Shorter styles leave the upper back exposed for increased breathability on hot days.

The vest should fit snugly without restricting arm mobility or the ability to bend and twist. Measure around the widest part of the hips and consult size charts to find the right fit. Most brands size their goalie vests separately from standard clothing.

Popular styles include reversible vests with team colors and patterns on one side and solid black or gray on the reverse. Coordinates can pick a vest complementing the main goalie jersey.

Caring for the Vest Properly

Follow the manufacturer's instructions to get the longest use from a saddle barn vest. Typically, machine washing in cold water and air drying is recommended. Do not use bleach. Velcro closures may collect lint so occasionally remove and rinse the hook and loop panels.

Inspect padding regularly for tears or worn spots. Foam and other cushioning can break down over time with repeated hard impacts on turf. Replace any damaged sections right away so the vest continues protecting properly.

Additional Turf Gear for Goalies

A saddle barn vest serves as the foundation for safe turf play but goalies need additional equipment for full coverage. Soccer knee pads with thick foam cushions defend the knees and shins during slides and dramatic saves. Sliders or goalie pants feature built-in patches durably engineered to handle constant abrasion on turf fields.

Moisture-wicking base layers worn underneath the vest also protect skin from friction burns. Some goalies apply petroleum jelly on high friction areas like lower hips or forearm as an extra barrier from turf. Of course, always speak to coaches before altering uniforms.

Training Drills for Goalie-Specific Agility on Turf

Even with all the right protective gear, artificial turf poses new challenges for goalkeeper technique. The unique playing surface calls for drilling movements tailored to developing agility on turf fields.

Lateral Dives

This solo drill improves lateral dive power essential to covering side netting on turf fields. Set up three cones spaced two yards apart to simulate the width of the goal area. Starting from the center cone in ready position, explosively push off and dive sideways towards a side cone.

Land like during a hard save, decelerate through the padded turf, then quickly recover to ready position back at the center cone. Repeat for repetitions down both sides, working on distance and body control when hitting the playing surface.

Off-Angle Shot Reaction

Game situations see goalies reacting to deflections and angled shots requiring adjusted dives across goal. Set up mannequins or cones as targets in the left and right corners of the goal box representing acute shot angles. Take shots aiming towards those off-angle targets and practice explosive recovery dives and slides to cover sharp-angled shots.

Wind Sprints With Dive Transitions

Turf fields force goalkeepers to cover more ground swiftly. Set up cones marking incremental distances, starting from the goal line out towards midfield. Sprint from cone to cone, finishing each run with a hard forward dive and recovery back to ready position to sprint towards the next marker.

Vary up the drill by mixing in lateral shuffles before forward burst or tossing tennis balls at different intervals to react and catch while on the sprint. Work on building stamina and practicing dives when already fatigued, simulating actual game exertion.

Incorporating Proper Goalie Technique Into Training

Even while drilling turf-specific skills, goalies must stick to proper form to avoid injury. Special focus in training should address areas vulnerable to poor practices on artificial playing surfaces.

Low Dives

On turf, goalkeepers feel inclined to shorten extensions on low saves to avoid slamming hips and thighs into the ground. But dropping too soon risks missing shots or directing rebounds dangerously in front of net. Instead, extend fully while leading with the hands and keeping the torso upright, using the saddle vest and pants for protection on landing.

Use foam balls when rehearsing low dives during shoots to get the feeling diving all the way forward without fear of impact pain. Coaches can monitor form, provide feedback, and instill confidence diving full-extension even on abrasive turf fields.

Recover Footing Quickly

Artificial turf often causes slippage, especially for toe saves with feet or when recovering footing after diving towards shots. While standard molded cleats work on turf, many goalies prefer alternatives maximizing grip. Options include turf shoes with lots of small shallow studs or use outdoor football or lacrosse cleats featuring many toe studs.

No matter the footwear choice, goalies must train explosive foot skills regaining balance returning upright after saves. Set up cones and execute rapid lateral shuffles down the goal line, working on pushing off forcefully for next movement without slipping.

Angle Body Properly on Touches

Inevitably, goalkeepers will misjudge bounces and touches on artificial playing surfaces. The turf's unpredictability demands keepers angle their body behind all controlled touches, ready to absorb misplays off thighs, feet, or chest.

During footwork and reaction drills, train slow controlled touches using proper body positioning, angling the torso behind traps. Keepers remain balanced through controlled contacts, able to adjust to errant bounces. Such repetitive skill rehearsal translates into muscle memory during games as goalies angle themselves behind all trap attempts.

The unique field conditions of artificial turf demand specialized goalkeeper preparation tailored to the playing surface. With saddle barn vest protection and training focused on turf technique, keepers gain confidence and agility reacting on synthetic grass. Thorough preseason rehearsal antes reaction skills stopping shots on turf come game day.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a saddle barn vest for goalies?

A saddle barn vest provides extra padding and protection for goalies on their hips, tailbone, and elbows when diving on artificial turf. The vest stays securely in place so goalies can dive fully without fear of impact injuries.

What type of turf cleats work best for goalies?

Many goalies prefer turf shoes with lots of small shallow studs or outdoor football/lacrosse cleats with additional toe studs. These provide maximum grip for pushing off and rapid lateral movements necessary for goalies on turf fields.

Should goalies alter their technique on artificial turf?

While gear like saddle barn vests allow goalies to dive fully on turf, the unpredictable bounces demand some technique adjustments. Goalies must angle themselves behind all attempted touches and traps, ready to absorb errant bounces off their body while regaining balance quicker after saves.

What training drills build goalie skills on turf?

Useful goalie drills for turf include lateral dive explosiveness, reaction saves from sharp angles, and wind sprints mixed with forward dives. Building stamina and rehearsing proper form even when fatigued prepares goalies for game exertion and unpredictable bounces.