How To Measure Hands For Football Gloves
Many of us consider the best brand, type, and designs while shopping for a suitable pair of gloves. However, the most crucial factor when selecting a football glove is its fit. Even the best quality glove won’t deliver the desired performance without a proper fit. Therefore, it’s essential to determine the correct size for your football gloves. Properly fitting football gloves can make all the difference in a player’s performance on the field. So how to measure your hands for football gloves is crucial in finding the right fit. For this purpose, we use a measuring tape to measure the palm and length of the hand from the tip of the middle finger to get a snug fit.
Measuring your hand and consulting the size charts of different brands are effective ways to ensure a good fit. In this article, we’ll look at the proper method for measuring your hands for football gloves and some tips for finding the perfect pair.
Why Proper fit Football Gloves Matter
Before we dive into the details of measuring your hands for perfect-fit football gloves, let’s take a moment to discuss why proper-fit gloves are so important. When gloves fit correctly, they provide grip and control of the football and can even help prevent injuries. Too loose gloves can slip or slide on your hands, making it difficult to grip the ball. On the other hand, tight gloves can cause discomfort and stop blood flow, affecting player performance on the field.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Measure Hands for Football Gloves
Now that we know why properly fitting football gloves is essential let’s look at the steps for measuring your hands. Here’s what you’ll need:
Step 1: Collect the Materials
Before you start measuring your hand, make sure you have the following items:
- A measuring tape
- A flat surface
- A pen & notepad
Step 2: Position Your Dominant Hand
Place your dominant hand (a hand we use to perform most of the task) flat on the surface, with your fingers spreading separately. This will help you with accurate measurements.
Step 3: Measure the palm
Use the measuring tape to measure the palm of your hand at the widest point, usually just below your knuckles. Make sure to measure your hand circumference, excluding your thumb. Keep the tape snug for proper measurements.
Step 4:Measure Hand Length
Measure the length of your hand with measuring tape. Measure From the tip of your hand, middle finger to your wrist,
Step 5: Note the Measurement in inches
Write down the measurement in inches instead of cm. Make sure to note the recorded size accurately.
Step 6: Measure Non-Dominant Hand
Repeat the same steps with your non-dominant hand. This will help you determine which hand is broader and will be used to help you determine your glove size.
Step 7:Consult a size chart.
Check the size chart of the football glove brand you want to buy to determine the size that matches your measurements. Brands have different size charts, so consult the specific brand’s chart.
Step 8: Try on Gloves
Once you have determined your glove size, try on several pairs of gloves to find the perfect fit. Look for gloves with a snug fit but not too tight to keep your fingers moving comfortably. Make sure the gloves feel like a second skin and provide a grip on the ball.
How to Find the Right Football Gloves Size
After getting the perfect measurements, it’s time to find an ideal size. Football Gloves sizes are of two categories.
1-Youth Size Football Gloves
- Consider opting for youth football gloves if the measurement is less than 7 inches.
- These gloves’ sizes range from 6.25 to 7 inches.
- Youth gloves come in 4 standard sizes: x-small, small, medium, and large.
2-Adult-Size Football Gloves
- If the measurement is more than 7, consider choosing adult football gloves.
- These gloves’ size starts from size 7 and up to 8.5 or more inches.
- Adult Standard football gloves come in six to seven sizes: small, medium, large, x-large,2x-large, 3x-large, and sometimes 4x-large.
Important Tips
- If you need clarification on 2 sizes, it’s better to go for a larger one, as it shrinks after a few machine washes.
- A player with thin fingers must choose a downsize for a snug fit. On the other hand, players with thick fingers need to decide to upsize.
- Consider additional features like padding or ventilation, depending on your position and playing style. Some gloves offer extra padding in the fingers or palm, while others are designed to provide better ventilation to keep your hands cool and dry.
Why it is Essential to Get Properly Fit Football Gloves
Getting the proper fit for football gloves is essential because they cause discomfort in both senses, whether tight or loose.
Effect Of Tight Fit
Tight gloves can restrict your hand movement and limit your grip strength. When football gloves are too close, they can stop blood flow and cause numbness in the hands. This can affect the ability to catch a pass or pitch. Moreover, wearing tight gloves for an extended period can lead to permanent damage. Poor circulation can result in ischemia, which can damage the tissues in your hands.
If you notice symptoms such as numbness, coldness, or difficulty moving your hands after wearing your football gloves, it is possible to have acute limb ischemia. It’s essential to ensure you have the right fit to avoid damage. If you cannot make a fist while wearing the glove, it’s likely too small and won’t provide sufficient grip when catching the ball.
Effect Of Loose Fit
Loose gloves can cause the football to slip out of your hands, while Properly fitting gloves can provide the necessary grip for catching and throwing the ball effectively. Loose-fit football gloves can significantly impact performance as they can compromise the player’s grip and ball control. Gloves that are too loose can shift around on the hand, reducing the precision and consistency of the grip on the ball. The extra material can also interfere with the player’s range of motion, making it harder to flex and bend their fingers properly. This can cause the player to drop passes, fumble the ball, and make errors that cost the team valuable points.
Furthermore, loose gloves can also affect the player’s confidence and comfort on the field, decreasing overall performance. Therefore, ensuring a proper fit for football gloves is crucial to optimize a player’s grip, comfort, and performance.
Conclusion:
When purchasing football gloves, it’s essential to consider factors such as brand, design, and type, but the most crucial factor is the fit. Properly fitting football gloves can significantly impact a player’s performance on the field, providing better grip and control of the ball while also preventing injuries. To determine the correct size for your football gloves, you need to measure your hand using a measuring tape and consult the size charts of different brands. When choosing a size, it’s essential to remember the effect of a tight fit, which can restrict hand movement, limit grip strength, and cause discomfort. Therefore, balancing a snug fit and comfortable action is crucial. By considering these guidelines, you can find the perfect pair of football gloves to enhance your performance on the field.
