The goalie's glove in hockey plays a primary role in the defense of the net. Many shots at the net--particularly those at high speeds--tend to lift off the ice and into the air. This makes it more difficult for the goalie to block the shock with his stick or body pads, particularly if his body isn't positioned immediately in the puck's line of fire. But a goalie glove can be move quickly and cover much of the net above the ice. In order to be effective, though, the goalie needs to make sure that his glove is broken in prior to use.
Step 1
Stuff a stack of pucks or a softball into your glove's web. Close the glove tightly around the object or objects and tape the glove to hold it shut tight. You can also use thick rubber or elastic bands. Do this every night while you sleep until the glove becomes worn and snaps shut easily.
Step 2
Play catch with a baseball or softball. The impact of the ball hitting the glove will help beat down the webbing and form a crease in the glove. This is a good method of breaking in the glove until you can snap the glove easily around the puck.
Step 3
Sit on the glove when you watch TV or stuff it under your mattress when you sleep. The weight on the glove will help it develop a crease.
Step 4
Soak a cloth in hot water and then wring it out. Place the cloth in the webbing of your glove and close the glove on it. The heat and moisture from the cloth will help loosen your glove's fibers, making it easier to use.
Step 5
Have your teammates take practice shots, launching the puck into the air so you can get some practice catching with your glove. This will help you get a feel for your new glove while breaking it in.
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