Question:
I am a young goalkeeper and I play at a very skilful club with many international players but when we do shooting drills I always go home with broken toenails and swollen feet.
There is another goalkeeper in my club who has just recently bought Robo legguards, kickers and hand protectors and he does not seem to be affected by it. Is there any way of preventing my feet getting bruised or do I have to go out and buy Robo legguards and kickers.
Answer:
I don’t know that you need to buy new legguards and kickers, but it sounds as if the kickers you’re wearing now don’t fit. Make sure your kickers aren’t pushed back so far on your foot that your toes are hanging out. The heel straps control how far back the kicker is pulled. Also, make sure that the kicker is pulled down so that your foot is snugly inside the kicker. If the straps that go around the bottom of the kicker are too loose, your toes will stick out when you extend with your toes downward. Your kickers may well be too small or too big, but try adjusting the straps before you buy new pads. If you do have to buy new pads, the Robos are a good way to go.
If and only if you have to get new gear go for the kickers first. The majority of the saves you make are with your feet and even fairly lowly pads are up to shots from internationals. Fortunately, the whole OBO range work well together.