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Hockey TipsSUPPLIES
- Cloth hockey tape
- Scissors
Overview
There are several key reasons why hockey players tape up the blades of their sticks. Hockey tape adds a layer of protection, helping sticks last longer game after game. It can also help blades glide more effortlessly over the ice, improve overall puck handling and even obscure the appearance of the puck, making it harder for opponents to track. If you need help taping up your stick blade properly, just follow a few simple steps.
Step 1
Peel the loose end away from a roll of cloth hockey stick tape. Press the loose end firmly onto the bottom edge of the toe (front) of the blade, centering the tape in the middle of the blade.
Step 2
Carefully roll out the tape all the way to the curve of the heel. Cut the tape loose with scissors.
Step 3
Smooth out the tape along the bottom edge of the blade, then push the edges of the tape up the sides of the blade along the entire length. Smooth out the ends as best as you can.
Step 4
Wrap a single layer of tape all the way around the blade close to the heel, just in front of the shaft.
Step 5
Continue wrapping the blade, gradually inching the roll of tape closer to the toe of the blade. Each wrap should overlap about half of the previous wrap.
Step 6
Cut the tape off with scissors when you reach the end of the blade. Smooth the loose end flat against the side of the blade.
Step 7
Smooth out any bubbles or wrinkles in the entire taped area.
TIPS AND WARNINGS
- TIP : If your tape isn't sticky enough, heat it up with a hair dryer after applying it and press it down flat while the tape is still warm.
- WARNING : Only use cloth hockey stick tape; substituting other types of tape can make your blade stick to the ice and inhibit puck control.
