Choosing the Right Hockey Glove
With sticks moving faster and tackles getting lower, hand protection is more important than ever. However, not all gloves serve the same purpose. Here is a guide to the different types available at ONE Sports Warehouse.
1. The Left Hand Glove (Essential)
This is the most common glove seen on the pitch.
- Why do I need it? When you use a reverse-stick tackle or get low to the turf (block tackle), your left hand is exposed to the opponent's stick and the abrasive astro surface.
- Styles: Open Palm: Allows you to feel the stick directly against your skin for better grip. Full Finger: Protects the tips of the fingers and thumb. Knuckle/Half Finger: Lighter and offers more freedom, but leaves fingertips exposed.
2. The Right Hand Glove (Optional)
While less common in open play, many defenders now wear a right-hand glove for added safety.
- Note: Right-hand gloves must be carefully designed to ensure they don't interfere with your grip, as your right hand moves up and down the stick constantly.
3. Short Corner Gloves
These are specialist tools for defenders running out at penalty corners.
- Protection Level: Maximum. These are often bulky and offer high-impact protection against direct hits from drag flicks.
- Usage: They are usually removed immediately after the penalty corner is over, as they are too bulky for normal dribbling.
Materials: Hard Shell vs. Foam
- Hard Shell (Plastic): Offers the ultimate protection against heavy hits. These are often found in Indoor Hockey, where the ball stays low and hand hits are frequent.
- High-Density Foam: Lighter and more flexible. These mould to the hand better and are preferred by forwards and midfielders who want protection that doesn't feel "clunky."
Fit & Sizing
A hockey glove should fit snugly. If it is too loose, it will slide around when you try to change your grip speed. Most brands (like Grays and Osaka) offer sizes from XS to XL.
Complete Your Protection
Don't stop at the hands. Ensure you are fully covered with our range of Shin Pads and Gum Shields to stay safe for the full 70 minutes.
