#askEV
It's time for me to go on my annual "rant". So,if you've read/heard it before....feel free to move on. But....
About this time of year, as teams begin to fall out of season due to losing in conference playoffs, GK thoughts (in many parts of the US) turn to playing Indoor Soccer.
Now, most of the time, Indoor soccer is played in a sports hall, or old tennis barn, or just an old barn! Most of the time, an artificial turf is laid down over concrete--or a similarly HARD surface. Due to this, I always IMPLORE Goalkeepers to make sure that they are wearing protective gear any time they are playing Indoors.
Now, by protection, I mean long sleeve jersey, long or 3/4 pants (with padding, I suggest), and knee, elbow, and hip pads. Yes....that is knee, elbow, and hip pads.
I know, I know. And believe me, I've heard ALL of the excuses, "I can't wear all those pads, I can't move freely, I feel like they hinder me." I've heard 'em all. Now, I fully understand the desire to feel sleek and athletic when playing in goal. EVERYONE wants to look like a finely tuned, high level, professional GK.
However. May I ask you to PLEASE wear protection when playing Indoors. You may not know it yet, but all that hitting the ground--in training and in games--adds up on your body. By the time you are in your late 30s, you'll feel the summation of those body blows every morning when you wake up. By the time you're in your 50s, you may have paid the price of replacing some of or all of those joints that took a beating in your youth.
SO, LET IMPLORE YOU....when playing Indoor soccer--training or games--make sure that you "pad up". Yes, you may feel bulky. Yes, you may look a bit "dumpy" in the mirror. Yes, you may feel uncomfortable at first. But believe me when I tell you. You will protect your body by padding the areas of your body that contact the ground. Make sure you "pad up".
Your 35 year old body will notice. Your 55 year old body will Thank Me PROFUSELY!
May the ground beneath your dive be soft. May your goalposts be 3 feet wide. May the other team shoot everything RIGHT AT you.
All the Best--EV
