Proper Way to Tape a Hockey Stick

The way you tape your hockey stick has a direct impact on your control over shooting, passing, and puck handling. While there is no single agreed-upon "proper" way to tape your stick, considering a few common techniques can be quite effective. The key is to experiment with different taping variations to find the one that best suits your playing ability. How comfortable and maneuverable the stick feels in your hands and how the puck reacts to your stick when puck handling and shooting are some things to consider when taping your hockey stick.

Things You'll Need

  • Hockey stick
  • Hockey tape
  • Puck
  • Pen (optional)
  • Hockey wax
  • Paper strips (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Taping the Top (Butt End) of the Hockey Stick

    • 1

      Wrap the hockey tape tightly around the very top, or butt, of the stick two or three times. Do not cut or tear the tape yet.

    • 2

      Unroll about 12 inches of tape from the spool, then twist the spool tightly to form a "rope" out of the tape.

    • 3

      Wind the "rope" in a spiral down the stick about 6 to 8 inches. Do not cut or tear the tape yet.

    • 4

      Work your way back up to the top, wrapping the tape tightly around the stick and spiraled rope, creating a "pistol grip." Leave about 1/4 inch of overlap with each layer.

    • 5

      Wrap the tape around the top of the stick many times until you reach the thickness you desire. Some players like a very thick handle at the top of the stick, while others prefer a smaller handle to grip. Some players add layers of paper strips under the tape to build up the thickness further.

    • 6

      Tear or cut the tape off and press everything down firmly. See how the handle feels. You may have to experiment a few times to get it right.

    Taping the Blade of the Hockey Stick

    • 7

      Start at the heel of the stick and wrap the hockey tape around the blade tightly, leaving about 1/4 inch of overlap. Stop about 1 inch from the end and tear off the tape.

    • 8

      Press everything down firmly and rapidly rub over the tape with a pen or puck to help seal the tape. This will help keep the tape from getting quickly torn and ruined as the puck hits and rubs against it in play.

    • 9

      Rub the taped portion of the blade with hockey wax to keep it dry and help it glide along the ice better.