Instructions on How to Tape a Hockey Stick

Hockey players use tape on their sticks in two places. Grip tape applied at the top of the stick's shaft gives the player better control and handling. Tape used on the blade of the stick both provides a target for teammates' passes and creates a soft, tacky cushion to aid in moving the puck. Either way, applying the tape to your stick takes only a few minutes and little effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey stick
  • Hockey tape (also known as cloth tape or stick tape)
  • Grip tape
  • Hockey wax
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Instructions

  1. Applying Grip Tape

    • 1

      Remove the butt end or cap from the top of the stick's shaft if there is one. Peel off any old remaining tape, being careful not to leave much residue.

    • 2

      Take the grip tape and peel off about 1 inch from the end of the roll. Apply the edge of the tape to the stick about 6 to 8 inches from the top of the stick. The range will vary because of the size of the player's gloves and personal preference.

    • 3

      Roll the tape around the stick, keeping it flush for one loop around. After finishing the first loop, angle the tape diagonally and begin looping it around the stick up toward the handle, slightly overlapping the previous row of tape. Do not overlap too much; using too much tape will add unnecessary weight to the stick.

    • 4

      Continue unrolling and applying the tape diagonally until it surpasses the top of the stick. Angle the tape back in a straight line and finish one final row at the top of the stick. There should not be more than a half-inch of overhang.

    • 5

      Cut the tape or rip it. If your stick is hollow, push the excess overhang inside the stick before you reapply a cap. If your stick is not hollow, press down the excess onto the top of the stick. Put a cap atop the butt end or rip a small piece of tape to wrap over the top of the stick and hold down the overhang.

    Taping the Stick Blade

    • 6

      Take the roll of stick tape and peel off about an inch from the end of the roll. While this tape is available in many colors, most players prefer black because it camouflages the puck from defending players.

    • 7

      Place the edge of the tape just over the top edge of the blade about 1 inch in from the toe. Apply the tape in a straight line down the front of the blade to the bottom. On the front of the blade, the edge of the tape should be perfectly perpendicular to the bottom of the blade.

    • 8

      Pull the tape tightly around the bottom of the blade and angle it slightly so that it meets the top of the blade about a half-inch down from the first row of tape.

    • 9

      Pull the tape down over the front of the blade again, keeping the edge parallel with the first row of tape, then again pull it tightly over the bottom of the blade.

    • 10

      Angle the tape and roll it toward the top of the blade as you did the previous row. Continue to tape in this pattern until the tape reaches about an inch from the heel of the blade. Wrap the tape around the back of the blade one final time and press down firmly while ripping or cutting the tape.