The young goalkeeper Vladyslav Krapyvtsov is undergoing an intensive training cycle within Girona’s system. The Ukrainian combines sessions with the first team and individual work with the goalkeeper coaches. In the 2025/26 season he has already played three official matches — two in La Liga and one in the Copa del Rey. Despite Girona’s difficult position in the league table, the club continues to rely on young players and a high-intensity training process.
During the sessions, Krapyvtsov works on key elements of the modern goalkeeper’s game: saving close-range shots, lateral dives and jumps over hurdles, catching low balls, reacting to deflections, and delivering a quick first pass. For such training Krapyvtsov uses two models of Brave GK gloves — Reaction Green and Air. The former became a hit of the previous collection and stands out for the sensitivity of its Supreme Contact latex when catching fast shots. The latter — Brave GK Air — is a bestseller of the new lineup, providing consistent grip and comfort during long sessions.
Krapyvtsov’s training process within Girona is built on simulating game situations. During sessions the goalkeeper performs a series of drills aimed at reaction speed, explosive coordination, and stability in unconventional positions.
One of the basic parts of the session is working on saves from short distance. The ball is released from under cones or from behind a blocker, and Krapyvtsov reacts to its flight from just three to four meters. Such drills develop instinctive hand movement, catching precision, and confidence in close-range play.
The next stage is lateral jumps over hurdles. The keeper moves along the goal line and practices diving to the sides with minimal ground contact. This develops jump timing, body control, and the ability to stay focused while changing direction.
Low balls and play after deflections are also practiced. Krapyvtsov drops into his stance, catches the ball right off the ground, and secures it, giving the opponent no second chance. These movements require balance and knee stability — a particularly important element in the Spanish league, where there are many fast cutbacks and follow-ups.
A separate training block is dedicated to play in tight spaces. The keeper stands close to the post or a mannequin simulating a player and has to react to a ball that suddenly appears from behind an obstacle. This develops reaction and visual perception, bringing training closer to real match conditions.
There are also exercises for footwork and the first pass: Krapyvtsov receives the ball from the coach’s pass and immediately sends it into a free area.
This structure makes it possible to work on everything — from reacting to point-blank shots to orienting in confined spaces. Krapyvtsov shows discipline and attention to detail. All this helps him keep pace with the first team and develop in the intense conditions of La Liga.
For training and matches, Krapyvtsov uses two Brave GK models — Reaction Green and Air. Both are created with the demands of professional goalkeepers in mind, but each serves its own purpose.
The Brave GK Reaction Green goalkeeper gloves became a hit of the previous collection. They are distinguished by improved grip thanks to 4-mm German Supreme Contact latex. This material retains tackiness and softness even after prolonged loads, which is especially important on artificial pitches and in hot weather. The Rollfinger cut increases the contact area, and the anatomical shape of the glove provides a snug fit without pressure on the fingers. Reaction Green suits fast training series and episodes where instant reaction is required.
The Brave GK Air goalkeeper gloves are a bestseller of the new collection. They are designed for high physical loads and long sessions. The backhand is made of latex with polygonal embossing and breathable mesh inserts, keeping the hand dry even during hour-long workouts. The internal Fix Fit system stabilizes the palm, preventing slipping inside. An elastic cuff and a hook-and-loop strap provide secure wrist fixation and easy donning.
Krapyvtsov chooses the model depending on the type of training. Brave GK Reaction Green — for short, explosive drills focused on jumps and dives; Brave GK Air — for extended sessions and working on play with the feet. Both models help maintain control and confidence regardless of conditions — whether it’s the heat of Catalonia or evening sessions on a wet pitch.
Since the start of the 2025/26 season, Girona has been going through a challenging period. The team is in the lower part of the La Liga table, with 10 points after 12 rounds. At the club they acknowledge a rebuilding phase: the squad was significantly renewed in the summer, and players need time to adapt to the coaching staff’s demands.
Krapyvtsov has played five official matches for Girona, three of them in the current season. Despite his young age, he has earned the coaches’ trust and regularly takes part in joint and individual sessions with the first team. His task is to maintain a high level of readiness to step onto the field at any moment and replace more experienced colleagues.
The coaching staff note his discipline, attention to detail, and ability to stay calm under pressure. In interviews with Ukrainian media, Krapyvtsov said that moving to the Spanish league became for him “a completely different football context” and an opportunity to grow every day alongside goalkeepers of the level of Gazzaniga and Livakovic. Despite his age, Krapyvtsov has already become an important part of Girona’s goalkeeping group and continues to progress in La Liga.
