Thoughts on the no arm pad debate

To wear arm pads or not to wear arm pads, that's one of many questions goalkeepers consider as they look up to the styles of the world's elite. The style is popular in Holland where they coach a more pro-active style and reactionary, patient game where concentration is key. The style of padding down has moved overseas with goalkeepers in the UK now forgoing arm protection, like David Kettle and Tommy Alexander to name a few. It's also popular 'down south', in Australia and Malaysia. But the crux of the matter is whether it suits your style of play.

There is obviously the danger of youngsters thinking it's cool or macho and so on, but if you're not confident with your reaction speeds and your glove saves, then you probably shouldn't forgo protection. It requires a change in technique, especially if you intend 'putting your body on the line' occasionally. I think the only time having extra fluid movement with the arms is at drag flicks where the goalkeeper wants to react to the flight of the ball and move in to block with the glove. The extra motion of movement at the elbow also helps with redirecting the ball by turning the glove, such as the rhp also, when making the save.

Another point of note is that you can still 'pad up' during training! With more chance of getting hit with balls pelted at you from all directions in different training exercises, there's more likelihood of damage. You can make use of removable arm guards, like Obo's to switch up between games and training. At the top, where you will see more goalkeepers not wearing arm pads, there is less likelihood of blocking in a 'log' and drag flicks are more prominent on short corners, as well as players being more accurate with their shots, hence it worth taking the risk.

For me, I think it depends on how you play. If you're going to slide around and go down to block more often, then you want extra padding in case you get hit in the arm. If you stay on your feet a lot more and are patient and make more saves upright with your hands, then it makes sense. If not, then not!