Taping fingers is a crucial technique for volleyball players, providing stability and safeguarding against the intense pressure involved in each dig, set, and spike.
This guide will lead you through the necessary steps to ensure your fingers are protected and game-ready. Let’s dive in!
Why Do Volleyball Players Tape Their Fingers?
Volleyball players subject their fingers to significant stress. Taping offers:
- Protection from injuries, especially during blocking and digging.
- Support for injured fingers, preventing further harm.
- Confidence to play aggressively without worrying about sprains or strains.
Step 1: Clean and Dry Your Hands
Before you begin, ensure your hands are clean and dry. Dirt or sweat can reduce tape effectiveness and cause it to slip. Use a towel to dry your hands, then proceed.
Step 2: Start with the Anchor
The anchor acts as the foundation of your taping and keeps the tape secure. Wrap athletic tape snugly around your wrist. This base helps hold the tape and provides some wrist support, useful during intense play.
Step 3: Protect Your Knuckles
For extra knuckle protection, cut a small tape piece and place it over the finger’s knuckle you’re taping. This layer cushions your knuckles, lessening impact when going for powerful spikes.
Step 4: Apply the Crisscross Wrap
Now, for the key part of finger taping: the crisscross pattern. Follow these steps:
- Start at the finger base: Wrap tape diagonally from the bottom (near the knuckle) to the tip.
- Wrap back down: Bring tape down in the opposite direction, creating an “X” shape.
- Repeat: Continue this crisscross pattern up and down until fully covered. Ensure wraps are snug but not too tight—you don’t want to cut off circulation.
This pattern stabilizes your finger, preventing backward bending on impact, and absorbs shock from high-speed ball contact.
Step 5: Secure the Tape to the Anchor
After covering your finger, bring the tape down to the wrist anchor. Wrap it around the anchor a few times to secure the end. Gently pat to ensure everything is snug and in place. This step helps prevent the tape from unraveling mid-game.
Step 6: Repeat for Each Finger Needing Support
Volleyball is a team sport, and your fingers are on the team! Repeat steps 2 to 5 for each finger that needs taping. Typically, players tape their index and middle fingers together for more support or target the thumb for added stability.
Optional Step: Buddy Taping for Extra Support
For a particularly sensitive or injured finger, consider buddy taping, which involves taping two fingers together. This technique provides additional support and prevents injury from spreading across the hand.
- Wrap the two fingers: Use the same crisscross pattern, wrapping both fingers together, but avoid excessive tightness.
- Anchor at the wrist: Once wrapped, bring the tape down and secure it at the wrist anchor.
Additional Tips for Taping Success
- Don’t overdo it: Excessive tape can restrict movement and affect grip, so find a balance.
- Test before the game: After taping, flex your fingers to check comfort and stability. They should feel supported yet unrestricted.
- Keep extra tape handy: Tape can loosen over time, especially in intense games, so having extra rolls is wise.