Taping of the wrists and fingers is something that is synonymous with football. There are many reasons why players tape themselves up.
Some do it for medical reasons while others do it because they believe it looks cool. Whether the athletic tape is being used for its intended purpose or just as an accessory, it is a staple of football and something that will not be going anywhere anytime soon.
Today, we will break down why players wear the tape, what positions wear tape the most, how to apply the tape, and the different types of athletic tape you can use.
Contents
Top Reasons Football Players Tape Their Wrists
Here are some of the top reasons why football players use tape for their wrists:
1. Protection
The first reason that football players tape their wrists is for safety reasons. The wrist tape helps support the player’s wrists from injury in case the player suffers sudden contact. In football, that could happen in a lot of ways and tape is a common practice that athletic trainers use to help provide an extra layer of wrist protection.
Whether it be running into players when blocking them, being tackled, or even shedding tackles, players’ wrists are at risk of injury and athletic tape helps provide extra support. The initial reason why players began to wear the wrist athletic tape was for protection.
2. Superstition
Another reason why players might wear wrist tape is for superstition. Very often in sports, players have habits or superstitions that they religiously follow when it comes to prepping for a game. For some players, this process includes wearing wrist tape or even having a certain way that they design it before every game.
3. Style and Swag
The next reason why players could tape their wrists is for style and swag. At every level from Pop Warner football to the NFL, you will see players using wrist tape just for style. Many players love how the wrist tape looks and it gives them a confidence boost wearing it.
4. Hiding Jewelry
The final major reason that players tape their wrists is to hide wrist jewelry. Whether it be to cover up a bracelet that isn’t allowed by league rules or protecting a piece of jewelry that the player does not want to be ripped off during the game, wrist athletic tape is a perfect solution for players to still wear what they want while keeping the jewelry safe and secure.
Why do Players tape their fingers?
There are some that believe that finger tape is something that players do not need and is something that is just for show.
We will cover why players may need the finger tape and the two main advantages it gives to players.
1. Assistance with catching the ball
The first perk to wearing finger tape for a football player is it helps with catching the ball. While players can no longer wear things like stick ’em to help make it easier to hold onto the ball, they are allowed to put tape on their fingers.
It does not provide a huge advantage to players to where it makes it unfair to wear finger tape, however, it makes enough of a difference to the point that players will tape their fingers strictly because it makes it easier for them to catch and hold onto the ball.
2. Prevent hyperextension
The second main reason why players wear athletic tape on their fingers is to prevent their finger from hyperextending. This is a common injury in wide receivers. At times, the ball can cause their fingers to bend back too far or at an unnatural angle causing them to hyperextend.
While this is not an injury that will likely cause the player to miss any time, it will make it very uncomfortable to continue playing until the injury heals. Taping the fingers allows for them to not bend as easily and remain in place, being held by the tape.
Which Positions wear wrist tape the most?
The positions in football that wear wrist tape the most are running backs and wide receivers. These players do this because they are the ones that are typically getting tackled the most.
With them being knocked to the ground as often as they are, they want to have their wrists taped and secured. Other positions tape their fingers and hands for other reasons, however, running backs and wide receivers are the positions that don the wrist tape the most.
How do you tape your wrist for football?
According to Jacques Courseault from Healthfully, “Apply pre wrap tape to the wrist. Start 2 to 3 inches below the bend of your wrist… Continue wrapping until you are 1/2 inch past the bend of your wrist. You only need one layer between your skin and the adhesive tape. Tape adhesive tape over the pre wrap athletic tape.
Start applying your adhesive tape 1/2 inch below your pre wrap tape… Wrap until you are 1/2 inch past the prewrap tape around your wrist so that the adhesive tape makes contact with the skin.
Perform the capillary refill test after applying tape to make sure you have adequate circulation. Squeeze a fingernail until it turns white. Release and ensure the fingernail turns red within a few seconds. Always make sure you don’t experience numbness or tingling in the hand”.
What is football turf tape?
Football turf tape is an adhesive that sticks to the skin is prevents the player from getting scraped up by the turf during the game.
Without it, players can at times finish games with gashes up and down their arms and legs from the turf. One of the most popular ways to wear this football turf tape is in the a similar style to New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara.
What’s the difference between KT tape and athletic tape?
Athletic tape is typically stronger, thicker, and manufactured for the purpose of limited motion to help provide joint support while KT tape is thinner, breathable, and more flexible.
Summary
In conclusion, there are a plethora of reasons why athletes wear wrist tape. The top reasons include protection, superstition, style, and hiding jewelry. Football players tape their fingers to make it easier to catch the ball and to prevent their fingers from hyperextending.
The positions in football that wear wrist tape the most are running backs and wide receivers. We went over how to apply wrist tape. Finally, we covered what football turf tape was and the popular style that Alvin Kamara has with the turf tape. Outside of football, you will also see soccer players tape their wrists to help prevent wrist injuries in the event they fall during a game.