How to Tape a Hockey Stick Shaft

The bare shaft of a hockey stick can become slippery, making it difficult to keep hold of the stick during a game. Taping the shaft of a hockey stick enables you to get a better grip and lessens the chance of the stick sliding out of your hands. Applying tape to a hockey stick shaft also helps when shooting, stick handling and using the stick defensively. Without tape, moisture sticks to the shaft, resulting in a butter-like feel.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make a mark midway down the shaft. Depending on your grip, you might made the mark a smidgen further. Start at the top of the stick and wrap the cloth tape in a spiral fashion, twisting the tape as you go to make a cord-like appearance. Keep a half-inch of space between the tape as you go and cut the remaining tape when you reach the mark you made when you began.

    • 2

      Mark one inch down from the very top of your stick that will be used in adding a knob to the top of your stick.
      Wrap the tape within that area, overlapping about 10 to 15 times.

    • 3

      Firmly wrap the tape around the remaining shaft. Ensure that the tape barely overlaps itself so that no part of the shaft is showing.

    • 4

      Run your fingers up and down the tape to ensure that the tape on the shaft is smooth and without any bumps or ridges, other than the cord-like feel from the initial taping. If the tape is not smooth, remove it and apply new tape. Any unevenness will cause the tape to bunch up and adversely affect your grip.