Stick Taping

How to tape a hockey stick is a matter of current fashion and individual preference. Stick taping is an art requiring hockey stick tape, skill and patience. The amount of tape used, the type of hockey stick – composite or wood, and the part of the stick, blade or shaft, influences the process of taping a hockey stick. The color of the tape is also a factor.

Tape

Taping a hockey stick involves using friction or regular cloth tape. Friction tape is a two-sided adhesive cotton tape used for taping blades. Different players have their own preferences. You may also use multi-purpose hockey tape. Co-adhesive grip tape is in use for taping stick handles.

The color of the tape also varies. The two predominant colors are black and white. Many players prefer taping the stick blade with black tape. They believe it disguises the puck from their opponents when they are skating down the ice. Use white or black tape at the top of a stick. You can use colored tape can as well, but, on the shaft, it can stain your gloves. Specialty tapes such as German flag hockey stick tape or Canadian or American versions are optional.

No tape job is permanent. Replace it as soon as the tape loses adhesion.

Ways To Tape A Hockey Stick

There are different ways to tape a hockey stick. New methods match new materials and different styles of play. Remember, the tape is to help you grip the stick tighter, increase puck handling and avoid water damage. Note, as well, that you have two areas to wrap - the shaft and the blade.

How To Tape A Hockey Stick Blade

How to tape hockey sticks depends on the type. If you want to tape a composite hockey stick, use less tape. Fiberglass already creates less friction requiring a minimal amount of tape. Smooth composites, however, require a complete wrapping.

• Begin at the heel to prevent the snow packing on the blades to create small pockets of air. This helps a player receive a pass, puts a spin on a shot and adds better puck control.
  
• Wrap over the top of the blade tightly overlapping by about a quarter of an inch. Do not allow wrinkles.
  
• Continue around the back of the blade and beneath it.
  
• Move steadily towards the toe, keeping the tape tight.
  
• Be sure the tape is flat on the inside of the blade.
  

How To Tape A Hockey A Hockey Stick Shaft

The amount of tape you use on a shaft relates to the kind of grip, style of play and the size of your hands. The larger the hands, the more tape you will need. These are two similar ways of wrapping the grip.

• Start at the top.
  
• Wrap a folded piece of paper around the top edge. Tape it with cloth tape wrapping five or six times.
  
• Trying not to tear the tape, pull a segment stretching from wrist to elbow.
  
• Twist it into a rope or string shape and wrap around the handle about half an inch forming a diagonal grip.
  
• Continue down the shaft in a spiral for about five inches leaving about half an inch between each spiral.
  
• Without tearing the tape, change from twisted to flat tape and start wrapping it back up the handle and over the rope.
  
• Overlap slightly until you reach the knob of the grip.
  
• Wrap it around a couple of more times to secure the tape.
  

Another popular method is the same as above but you wrap only the top ½ inch of the stick with twisted tape before continuing down with flat tape for five inches, turning and going back up to anchor it at the top.
If you taping your hockey stick correctly you can improves both your playing ability and your stick’s life. Now you know how to tape a hockey stick. Taping and waxing a hockey stick, however, is another matter.