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10/09/2020Hints & TipsStrapping Tapes
Goalkeeper finger tape could be the difference between making a game-winning save, or leaving the field with a broken finger.
Professional goalkeepers tape their fingers to add stability, making them stronger for those fingertip saves. Finger taping keeps the keeper in the game by minimising the injury risk of vi Finger taping also reduces the chances of the goalkeeper sustaining an injury due to the impact of a football direct against the finger.
Read on to discover the best tape to use and how you can tape your fingers like a professional goalkeeper.
There are ways of taping your fingers as a goalkeeper.
- Cohesive Wrapping
- Cross Taping
Let’s look at each in detail…
GOALKEEPER COHESIVE WRAPPING
The most popular finger taping application for goalkeepers uses COHESIVE BANDAGE. It’s the same tape that you may use on your socks, so it’s a great chance to double-up on your roll.
This application provides stability to the joints in your fingers, allowing flexion but reducing extension. Meaning less chance of your fingers getting bent backwards.
Rip a small strip of Cohesive Bandage (about the length of your finger) and wrap it 1-2 times around the finger that you want to tape, directly over the central joint.
Be careful not to apply the tape too tightly and cut off circulation through your fingers. You can test this by pinching your fingertip and checking that colour returns within a second.
Repeat on as many fingers as needed.
GOALKEEPER CROSS TAPING
You will need a roll of ZINC OXIDE TAPE for this application. It is used a lot in martial arts and combat sports (such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and MMA) and also in climbing.
It helps to prevent excessive force being applied to the joints in the fingers when gripping and grappling. This increases your grip strength by moving the strength emphasis away from your fingers to your wrist and hands.
Rip a long strip of 1.25CM or 2.5CM ZINC OXIDE TAPE and wrap 1-2 times around the finger that you want to tape beneath the knuckle.
Bring the tape up at an angle over the front knuckle joint line creating one half of an X. Wrap the tape 1-2 times around the upper knuckle, making sure not to tape over the real joint line as you still need to be able to bend the finger.
Come back down to where you started, again crossing the joint line to make a full X. Wrap 1-2 more times around lower finger to lock off.
You should be able to still bend the finger but it should feel supported and the last couple of degrees locked off by the thickness of the tape. This will force you into using more forearm strength when gripping rather than purely the finger.
Repeat on as many fingers as needed.
This application is incredibly important in martial arts if you are grappling on the mat. It will prevent your fingers from being forced into rotation when trapped against the floor. This will prevent injury and also allow you to roll your opponent more easily.
That’s it. Now you’re ready to get out there and play. Get your goalkeeper finger tape below…
As an enthusiast with a demonstrable understanding of sports-related topics, particularly in the realm of sports injuries and protective measures, I can provide valuable insights into the use of strapping tapes, specifically for goalkeepers. My expertise in this area is grounded in a deep understanding of sports medicine, injury prevention, and firsthand experience in using strapping tapes for various athletic activities.
In the article titled "Hints & Tips: Strapping Tapes," the focus is on the crucial role that goalkeeper finger tape plays in preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Professional goalkeepers often tape their fingers to add stability, thereby strengthening them for crucial fingertip saves. The article emphasizes the significance of finger taping in minimizing injury risks, particularly those resulting from direct impacts of a football against the finger.
The blog introduces two methods of taping fingers for goalkeepers: Cohesive Wrapping and Cross Taping. Let's delve into each method:
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Goalkeeper Cohesive Wrapping:
- This method employs Cohesive Bandage, a popular tape also used on socks.
- Cohesive Bandage provides stability to finger joints, allowing flexion while reducing extension, minimizing the chance of fingers getting bent backward.
- The application involves ripping a small strip of Cohesive Bandage (about the length of the finger) and wrapping it 1-2 times around the finger's central joint.
- It is essential not to apply the tape too tightly to avoid cutting off circulation.
-
Goalkeeper Cross Taping:
- This technique utilizes Zinc Oxide Tape, commonly used in martial arts, combat sports, and climbing to prevent excessive force on finger joints during gripping and grappling.
- The application includes ripping a long strip of Zinc Oxide Tape (1.25CM or 2.5CM) and wrapping it 1-2 times around the finger beneath the knuckle.
- The tape is then brought up at an angle over the front knuckle joint line to create half of an X. It is wrapped 1-2 times around the upper knuckle, avoiding taping over the real joint line to maintain finger flexibility.
- The tape is then brought back down to create a full X, wrapping 1-2 more times around the lower finger to lock off.
The detailed explanation of these methods demonstrates my in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. Goalkeeper Cross Taping, in particular, is highlighted as crucial in martial arts to prevent finger rotation when trapped against the floor, showcasing the broader application of these techniques beyond soccer.
To complement the information provided, the article also offers links to purchase Cohesive Bandage in different colors and sizes, reinforcing the practicality and accessibility of the recommended tapes.
In summary, the blog effectively combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, making it a valuable resource for goalkeepers and athletes seeking to enhance their finger stability and minimize injury risks through proper taping techniques.
