Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Gucassof's 'broom' stick

One equipment sighting that was of actual interest (am aware I !), was Jeremy Gucassoff and his interesting stick concoction. Considered to be quite the 'broomstick', the stick itself has drawn a few comments, criticism and queries and raised a few eyebrows when he used it in action during the 'shuttles' he played in. I had heard on the grapevine of the Goalies Union that the long stick is used and preferred in Australia because of its extra reach in 1 on 1's and when down in 'logs'. 38 - 42" sticks are in this range for this reason for goalkeeping technique.

Innovation is part of pushing things forward and experimentation is the only to try out certain methods, so it's good to see him having a go. And it seems that a lot of international and elite goalkeepers have considered the switch to a longer stick for the use in stick tackles and the handiness of having extra reach when playing a clearance from distance. But it is questionable how much a goalkeeper can get away with in this regard!! If the powers that be decide it is an unfair advantage, then Gucassoff will have to reconsider chopping down his twig, just as the Polish stick alteration was banned for the indoor format!



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