Goalkeepers play an integral role in the game of soccer. In their role, goalkeepers use their hands to block shots, catch crosses, and make saves. Because they use their hands so much, they must take good care of them. One way that goalkeepers protect their hands is by tapping their fingers. This article will discuss why goalkeepers tape their fingers and how they do it.
Reasons for Taping Fingers
There are several reasons why goalkeepers tape their fingers. One of the main reasons is to prevent injuries. When a goalkeeper makes a save, the force of the ball hitting their hands can cause their fingers to bend backward, resulting in sprains, strains, or even fractures. Taping their fingers can help provide extra support and stability, reducing the risk of injury. A fractured finger can take up to three months or more to set.
Another reason why goalkeepers tape their fingers is to improve their grip. Taping can provide an extra layer of padding and traction, which can help the goalkeeper hold onto the ball more effectively. This is especially important when the ball becomes slippery in wet or rainy conditions.
Finally, goalkeepers may tape their fingers to help them feel more confident and prepared for the game. It can also remind them to stay focused and alert during the match. This is especially important if the goalie feels hurt or is in some discomfort due to a tweak in their wrist or a slight injury.
Types of Tape
Goalkeepers can use several types of tape to tape their fingers. The most common types are athletic tape or kinesiology tape, pre-wrap, and finger sleeves.
Athletic tape is a thin, adhesive tape commonly used in sports. It comes in various widths and colors and is easy to tear by hand. Athletic tape is ideal for taping fingers because it provides a secure, tight fit and is highly customizable. It can be used to support individual fingers or to tape multiple fingers together. K-tape is similar to traditional athletic tape in size, yet it is composed of a cotton and nylon combination and is more elastic to allow for a more excellent range of motion.
Pre-wrap is a foam-like material used as an underlayer for athletic tape. It provides extra padding and comfort and can help prevent irritation or chafing from the tape. Pre-wrap is often used with athletic tape to create a more comfortable and secure taping job.
Finger sleeves are elastic sleeves that fit over individual fingers. They provide a more streamlined and less bulky option than athletic tape and are ideal for goalkeepers who prefer a minimalist approach. Finger sleeves come in various materials, including neoprene and spandex, and can provide extra support and protection without needing tape.
Taping Techniques
Goalkeepers can use several techniques to tape their fingers, depending on their preferences and needs. Here are three standard techniques:
Buddy Taping: This technique involves tapping two fingers together to provide extra support and stability. It is often used to protect a finger that has been previously injured or to provide additional support to weaker fingers. To buddy tape, the goalkeeper will apply a strip of pre-wrap to the injured finger and then wrap a piece of athletic tape around the injured finger and the adjacent finger. Instead of five fingers, it looks more like three.
Single-Finger Taping: This technique involves taping a single finger to provide extra support and grip. To tape a single finger, the goalkeeper will apply a strip of pre-wrap to the finger and then wrap a piece of athletic tape around the finger, starting at the base and spiraling upward toward the tip. They will then wrap another piece of tape around the finger in the opposite direction to create a criss-cross pattern. This option is very popular with goalies who don’t like wearing gloves.
Wrist Taping: This technique involves taping the fingers and wrist together to provide extra stability and support. It is often used by goalkeepers who have previously experienced wrist injuries or have weaker wrists. To wrist tape, the goalkeeper will apply a strip of pre-wrap to the wrist and then wrap around the articulation three or four times. This type of taping is especially popular with goalies that like to punch or block incoming shots.
The tape technique that goalies use depends on their playing style. Kinesiology tape is beneficial for recovery efforts and has been a prominent feature in sports medicine since its inception in japan.
Benefits of Kinesiology Tape
Kinesiology sports tape has become increasingly popular in sports and rehabilitation settings over the past few decades. Initially developed by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase in the 1970s, kinesiology tape supports and stabilizes muscles and joints while allowing for the full range of motion. This article will discuss using kinesiology tape, its benefits, and some standard taping techniques.
There are several benefits to using kinesiology tape for goalies. Some of the most notable include:
- Pain Relief: K-tape can help alleviate pain by reducing pressure on the affected area and promoting blood flow to the injured tissue.
- Support and Stability: Kinesiology tape can provide support and stability to muscles and joints, helping to prevent further injury and allowing for faster healing.
- Improved Range of Motion:The elastic tape can help improve the range of motion by supporting the affected area without restricting movement.
- Reduced swelling:the firm grip on the skin can help reduce swelling by promoting lymphatic drainage and improving circulation.
- Improved Performance:Kinesiology tape can help improve athletic performance by supporting muscles and joints and reducing fatigue.
Taping Techniques with Kinesiology Tape
Several different taping techniques can be used with kinesiology tape. Here are three standard techniques:
Muscle Technique: This technique provides support and stability to a specific muscle or muscle group. The tape is applied with tension to the muscle, following its natural direction of movement. The tape should be applied with an anchor at one end and a tail at the other, with no tension on the first end and full tension on the tail. This creates a lifting effect on the muscle, helping to improve circulation and reduce pain.
Ligament Technique: This technique provides support and stability to a specific joint or ligament. The tape should be applied in a Y-shape, with one arm of the Y following the line of the ligament and the other arms wrapping around the joint. This creates a supportive structure around the joint, helping to reduce strain and improve stability.
Lymphatic Technique: This technique promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces swelling. The tape is applied in a fan shape, with the base of the fan at the affected area and the arms of the fan spreading out in different directions. This creates a lifting effect on the skin, promoting lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling.
Tips for Applying Kinesiology Tape
There are some helpful tips when applying kinesiology tape:
Clean the Skin: Before applying kinesiology tape, it’s essential to clean the skin thoroughly to remove any oils, dirt, or sweat that may interfere with the tape’s adhesion. This also includes shaving excess hair. K-Tape is notoriously tricky to remove due to its powerful adhesive.
Apply with Proper Tension: Kinesiology tape should be applied with the proper tension to provide support and stability without restricting movement. It’s essential to follow the taping technique for the taped area. There are several videos online that show the proper application. Take the time to watch and learn to get the most out of the tape.
Trim the Edges: After applying kinesiology tape, it’s essential to trim the edges to prevent the tape from catching on clothing or other objects. Take the time to do this. It makes the application of the tape much more manageable.
Allow Time to Adhere: Once applied, rub vigorously to activate the adhesive and then allow it to glue itself to the skin. This will also help when removing the tape from the skin.
Overall, there are various tapes and taping techniques that goalies and all athletes alike can use to help alleviate and prevent injuries. To learn more about the best tapes in the industry, visit the Hampton Adams website.
