Don’t Let Slippery Hands Hold You Back: Master How to Re Stick Football Gloves with These Pro Tips

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a rookie hitting the field, having a firm grip on the ball is essential. But as the game progresses, sweat and wear can diminish the stickiness of your football gloves, leading to fumbles and missed opportunities. This is where the art of re-sticking comes in. Knowing how to re-stick football gloves can be a game-changer, giving you the edge you need to dominate the field.

The Importance of Re-Sticking

Football gloves are designed with a sticky coating, usually a resin or a polymer, to provide maximum grip in all weather conditions. This coating helps you secure a firm hold on the ball, even when your hands are sweaty or the field is wet. However, this coating wears down over time due to repeated use, sweat, and exposure to the elements. When your gloves lose their stickiness, your grip weakens, making it harder to catch passes, secure tackles, and maintain control of the ball.

Re-sticking your football gloves revitalizes the grip, restoring their performance to peak levels. It’s a relatively simple process that can be done at home, saving you money and ensuring you have reliable gloves for every game.

Choosing the Right Stick

The first step in re-sticking your football gloves is selecting the right stick. There are various types of stick available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Resin Stick

Resin stick is a popular choice among players due to its strong grip and long-lasting durability. It’s a thick, gooey substance that is applied in thin layers to the palms and fingertips of the gloves. Resin stick is known for its excellent grip in dry conditions, providing a secure hold even when your hands are sweaty.

Polymer Stick

Polymer stick is a newer type of stick that offers a more balanced grip, performing well in both dry and wet conditions. It’s a thinner, more pliable substance that provides a less aggressive grip than resin stick. Polymer stick is also known for its longer lifespan, making it a good investment for players who use their gloves frequently.

Tacky Stick

Tacky stick is a highly adhesive substance that provides an exceptionally strong grip. It’s often used by players who prefer a very sticky feel on their gloves. However, tacky stick can be a bit too aggressive for some players, especially in wet conditions, as it can make it difficult to release the ball.

Re-Sticking Your Football Gloves: A Step-by-Step Guide

Once you’ve chosen the right stick, it’s time to re-stick your gloves. Follow these steps for optimal results:

1. Clean Your Gloves: Start by thoroughly cleaning your gloves with a damp cloth and mild soap. This removes dirt, grime, and old stick residue, ensuring a clean surface for the new stick to adhere to.

2. Prepare the Stick: Depending on the type of stick you’re using, you may need to warm it up before application. For resin stick, you can warm it up by placing it in a warm place, such as a sunny windowsill or a bowl of warm water. Polymer stick and tacky stick are usually ready to use out of the package.

3. Apply the Stick: Apply the stick in thin, even layers to the palms and fingertips of your gloves. Avoid applying too much stick, as this can make your gloves too sticky and difficult to release the ball.

4. Let the Stick Dry: Once the stick is applied, let it dry completely before wearing your gloves. Drying time can vary depending on the type of stick and the temperature and humidity of the environment.

5. Test the Grip: Once the stick is dry, test your grip by catching a ball or performing some drills. If the grip feels too strong or too weak, you can adjust the amount of stick you apply next time.

Tips for Re-Sticking Football Gloves

Here are a few tips to make the re-sticking process easier and more effective:

• Wear gloves: It’s a good idea to wear thin, disposable gloves while applying the stick to protect your hands from the sticky substance.
• Use a brush: A small brush can help you apply the stick more evenly and prevent clumps from forming.
• Don’t over-apply: Applying too much stick can make your gloves too sticky and difficult to release the ball. Start with a thin layer and add more if needed.
• Store your gloves properly: When you’re not using your gloves, store them in a cool, dry place to prevent the stick from drying out.

Maintaining Your Grip

Re-sticking your football gloves is an ongoing process. How often you need to re-stick your gloves depends on how frequently you use them, the type of stick you use, and the weather conditions.

Here are some tips for maintaining your grip:

• Wash your gloves regularly: Regularly washing your gloves with mild soap and water helps remove sweat, dirt, and grime, which can degrade the stick.
• Store your gloves in a dry place: Avoid storing your gloves in humid or damp environments, as this can cause the stick to degrade.
• Use a glove bag: A glove bag helps protect your gloves from dust, dirt, and moisture.
• Replace your gloves when necessary: Even with proper care, football gloves will eventually wear out. When your gloves start to show signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them with a new pair.

The End of the Game: A Final Thought

By mastering the art of re-sticking your football gloves, you can ensure you have a firm grip on the ball, giving you the confidence to perform at your best. Remember, a good grip is a crucial element of success on the field. So, take the time to re-stick your gloves regularly and maximize your performance.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: How often should I re-stick my football gloves?

A: This depends on how often you use your gloves, the type of stick you use, and the weather conditions. You may need to re-stick your gloves after every game or practice, or you may be able to get away with re-sticking them once a week or even less frequently.

Q: Can I re-stick my football gloves with regular glue?

A: It’s not recommended to use regular glue to re-stick your football gloves. Regular glue can be too thick and sticky, making it difficult to release the ball. It can also damage the fabric of your gloves.

Q: Can I use a hair dryer to dry the stick?

A: It’s not recommended to use a hair dryer to dry the stick. The heat from the hair dryer can melt or damage the stick.

Q: What should I do if my gloves are too sticky?

A: If your gloves are too sticky, you can try wiping them down with a damp cloth to remove some of the stick. You can also try using a lighter stick or applying a thinner layer next time.

Q: How do I know when my gloves need to be replaced?

A: If your gloves are starting to show signs of wear and tear, such as holes, tears, or frayed seams, it’s time to replace them. You should also replace your gloves if the stick is no longer effective, even after re-sticking.