Abstract: Disclosed herein is a thumb protective construction for a protective athletic glove utilized in contact stick sports such as lacrosse and hockey. The construction involves a number of impact resistant protective stiffening components for the thumb receiving section and thumb stall of the glove which provide for enhanced thumb flexibility while preserving a full measure of impact protection for the thumb. Additionally disclosed is a stiffening component construction which fosters the establishment and maintenance of a correct grip position of the stick shaft between thumb and forefinger during play.