As former professional ice hockey players and coaches to young, aspiring players, the Ferraro brothers know a thing or two about this instrumental tool, including how to tape a hockey stick. This specialized tape is designed for wrapping and covering the blade of a hockey stick. It can be used for a multitude of reasons, and this product is an essential accessory for ice hockey players.
Below, Chris and Peter Ferraro, as they nurture youth hockey awareness, safety, and education, answer your questions about hockey stick tape. These include such questions as “Why do hockey players tape their sticks?” “Why do players customize their hockey sticks?” and “What is the best way to tape a hockey stick?”
What Is Hockey Tape Made From?
Hockey stick grip tape is typically made from cloth or synthetic materials. Cloth tape is more traditional and offers a soft, comfortable feel. Synthetic tapes often have additional features like water resistance.
What Are Some Different Types of Hockey Stick Tape?
Colored Tape
While white is a commonly used color for hockey tape, players can choose various colors. Some players use specific colors for identification or personal preference.
Waxed Tape
Some players use waxed hockey tape. The wax provides additional texture, water resistance, and durability.
Why Do Hockey Players Tape Their Sticks?
Hockey players tape their sticks for several reasons, and the taping process is somewhat personal, with players having specific preferences. The primary purpose of hockey tape is to give players a better grip on the stick. This is crucial for stickhandling, shooting, and overall puck control.
Below are some common reasons why hockey players tape their sticks.
Grip and Feel
Taping the stick's blade gives players a better grip on the puck. The tape adds a layer of cushioning and helps players feel the puck on their stick, enhancing control and handling. It also provides grip, control, and protection to the blade.
Shot Control
The texture of the tape can affect how the puck interacts with the stick, influencing shot control and accuracy. Players may tape their sticks to complement their shooting style, providing better control over shots, passes, and stick handling.
Protection
Taping the blade helps protect it from damage caused by contact with the puck, boards, or other sticks. It also adds a layer that can absorb some of the shock from hard shots, reducing the risk of damage to the stick.
Puck Spin
Some players believe that the texture created by the tape can influence the spin they put on the puck. This can impact the trajectory and behavior of shots and passes.
Visual Reference
The tape job can serve as a visual reference point for players. For instance, they might use specific colors or patterns to mark the optimal part of the blade for different types of shots or stickhandling moves.
Personal Preference
Every player is unique, and taping a stick is often a matter of personal preference. Some players have specific rituals or tape patterns that they believe contribute to their performance or comfort on the ice. Some may choose a taping method based on their preferred visual aesthetics. While this might seem minor, how a stick looks can be crucial to a player's mindset and confidence.
Durability
Hockey tape is designed to withstand friction and abrasion during gameplay. This durability helps maintain a consistent feel and grip over time.
Taping the blade can extend its lifespan by protecting it from abrasion. This is especially important given the friction and contact blades endure during gameplay.
Absorbing Moisture
Ice hockey is played in cold, often wet conditions. Hockey tape is designed to help absorb and wick away moisture, maintaining a better grip on the stick even when the puck or the ice is wet.
Identification
In team settings, players might distinctively tape their sticks to make them easily identifiable. This is particularly useful during practices and team events.
Hockey stick tape itself is often a cloth or synthetic material with adhesive backing. Players might use a single layer or add layers based on their preferences for thickness and feel. Some players may also use wax on the tape to provide additional texture and moisture resistance.
Why Do Players Customize Their Hockey Sticks?
Players often create a knob at the handle end of the stick by layering tape. This knob provides a comfortable grip for the player's lower hand. Players also wrap the tape around the hockey stick's blade in a specific pattern. How the tape is applied can vary from player to player and is often a matter of personal preference.
In addition, players may experiment with different taping patterns, including variations within the toe-to-heel or heel-to-toe methods. This customization allows players to create a feel that suits their individual needs.
Why Do Hockey Players Tape Their Stick Blades?
Hockey players tape their stick blades to enhance puck control, provide a better grip, and protect the blade, ensuring optimal performance during play.
The terms toe-to-heel and heel-to-toe refer to the direction in which a player tapes the blade of their hockey stick. Many players tape their sticks from the toe to the heel, covering the entire blade. This provides consistent texture and grip. Some players tape from the heel to the toe, while others use a customized pattern based on their playing style and preferences.
Toe-to-Heel
With this method, a person tapes the blade from the toe (the front end) to the heel (the back end). Doing this covers the entire blade, from the tip to the handle.
Advantages:
Provides consistent texture and grip across the entire blade.
Offers a smooth, uniform surface for puck handling and shooting.
It can provide added protection to the whole blade.
Heel-to-Toe
Taping the blade from the heel (the back end) to the toe (the front end) is called heel-to-toe. It involves starting at the bottom of the blade near the heel and wrapping the tape towards the toe.
Advantages:
Allows for more variation in tape patterns and styles.
Some players prefer this method for a different feel when handling the puck.
It can be used to create specific patterns or textures for personalized preferences.
What Is the Best Way to Tape a Hockey Stick?
How do I tape a hockey stick? To tape a hockey stick effectively:
Start at the heel and work toward the toe, ensuring a smooth and tight wrap.
Use friction tape for added durability.
Overlap the tape slightly with each wrap to create a uniform surface.
Finish by securing the end with a tight knob.
Experiment with tape tension and knob size to find a feel that suits your playing style.
However, remember that the best taping method is the one that feels most comfortable and effective for the individual player. It's common for players to experiment with different taping styles and make adjustments based on their playing experience and preferences.
Learn More With Ferraro Brothers Hockey
Taping a hockey stick serves multiple functions, from enhancing grip and control to protecting the stick and influencing the interaction with the puck. Players often develop unique taping styles based on their playing preferences and habits.
As you can see, hockey tape is a fundamental accessory for hockey players, contributing to the stick blade's grip, control, and protection. Players often develop unique taping styles based on their preferences and playing needs.
To unlock the secrets of successful ice hockey training from former members of the American Hockey League (AHL), the International Hockey League (IHL), and National Hockey League (NHL) veterans, schedule a private session with Ferraro Brothers Hockey.
Learn more about our upcoming on-ice and off-ice programs by using our online contact form or calling us at 631-804-2445. You can also learn more about the great hockey training programs available by visiting our social media sites - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Remember to read more of our blogs for great tips every budding hockey player needs to know.
Related Readings:
Ferraro Brothers Hockey Lessons NY: Crafting Excellence on the Ice
The Importance of Teamwork in Ice Hockey: Lessons From the Pros