If you are thinking of playing lacrosse, then you know just how important your lacrosse glove is. While you might have started out using borrowed gloves, nothing beats the feeling of having your glove. With it, you can be sure that the feel and weight of it are yours.
It is for these reasons that many people prefer to buy their gloves. While a new glove sounds like a good idea, think again. New gloves tend to pinch
To properly use and wear them, you need to break them in. Here are some tried and tested tips that will come in handy for you.
Moisten the leather
New leather is often so stiff, and that is why it pinches. To help with this, a little hot water would do the trick. Pour some hot water, around 150F, over problem areas and let them soften. You can wipe it away after a while.
You can also use glove oil in these same areas but apply it using a cloth. Do not dip your glove into the oil, as it will become greasy and annoying when you play.
Work the problem areas
While the leather might feel so hard, you realize that not all areas of the glove have issues. Identify your problem areas, which are mostly around the pinky and the thumbs
Take the s places and keep folding and unfolding them until they soften up. It might take you a while, but it will be worth it in the end. Ensure you fold and unfold all those areas until you can’t feel the pinch anymore. Many times it will take you some days to get it soft enough.
Shape the glove
If you have some rubber bands lying around in the house, then this is something you can try. Take your glove and fold it into a fist as tight as you can, then tie the rubber bands around it in the shape of an “X.”
You will need a lot of rubber bands because new leather unfolds fast. Use as many as you can get and ensure they fit all around it snugly.
Once you have the glove in this position, leave it there for a couple of hours, then come and undo the rubber bands. You will notice that the glove has softened up. This is the best technique, especially if you just got the glove and have a game the next day.
Use it often
One of the easiest ways to soften leather is to use it as many times as possible. Many people keep their gloves when they are off session and only take them out when the season peaks. While this might make your glove last longer, it will also be uncomfortable for longer.
Ensure you use every opportunity to use your glove. You can lay with it at home with a friend or even just get to play a game of catch.
By using your glove every so often, you give it a chance to get worn down. After some weeks of use, you will realize that it is soft.
Storing your glove when you are not using it will mean you feel uncomfortable for longer, do not be tempted at any point to do that.
How comfortable you are in your rubber glove will go to lengths to determine how well you play. Do not get into the field with a glove that makes you feel uncomfortable. Take your time and soften it up a little bit before you get into the field. You will play much better this way.