Why do sports players tape their fingers?

Players need extra strength in their fingers . After all, these are the parts of the body that will make or break their game performance. When fingers are taped, they are strengthened and, as a result, players can hit the ball harder than without the tape.

Does taping your fingers help?

By taping your fingers, you can help prevent injuries to the tendons, ligaments, and joints of your hands.

How do NBA players tape their fingers?

Buddy tape method If the athlete needs to continue playing following the injury, you can use the "'buddy tape"' method to tape the injured finger to an adjacent finger with rigid tape . This will provide a temporary support until the end of the game.

Why do NFL players put tape on their fingers?

In American football, taping is done frequently to stabilize otherwise fragile joints . Lineman don't need finger dexterity, so they often tape fingers together to minimize the chances of injury. They may also tape ankles or wrists. They might tape over injured spots to avoid further injury and reinforce the area.

Why do NFL players tape their fingers together?

Taping of the fingers and wrists by professional and collegiate football players has become increasingly prevalent because many players believe taping provides them with increased grip strength .

When should you tape your fingers?

The basic idea is to create a layer of protection to prevent your skin from ripping. This is commonly done at the end of a long, hard session when your fingers are raw, painful, worn down, and most likely to tear. An extra layer or two of tape can save you from an injury that might take a few days to heal.

Do football players tape their fingers?

There are plenty of players that also tape, whether for injury or prevention that are not snapping the ball. There's not that many, outside of centers, who tape their fingers.

Can I use kinesiology tape for fingers?

If a finger is sprained or overstretched, you can support the affected finger with kinesiology tape by immobilising it slightly . The tape will help to reduce inflammation, and provide support and compression to the affected area.

Why do players tape their hands?

Football is a contact sport, and players are constantly putting their wrists at risk of being injured by falls, collisions, or tackles. Wrist tape can help to prevent these injuries by providing support and stability to the wrist joint .

Why do players wear tape on their hands?

Footballers tape their wrists as a preventive measure . The repetitive motions involved in the sport can lead to overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Taping helps in minimizing the stress on the tendons and ligaments, reducing the likelihood of these injuries.

Sports Taping - Fingers (2024)

Table of Contents

Strapping Up For A Game: Finger Taping

Players in sports that involve catching of balls such as basketball are prone to sprained finger(s). Taping them helps prevent sprains by buddy-ing up the index and second finger together to provide better support.

Figure 1:

1.Place the fingers together(1).
2.Place a 25mm rigid sports taping with the edge just below the first knuckles(2).
3.Pull the tape firm and wrap around them (3).

Figure 2:
1.Pinch the tape slightly(1). This allows the tape to overlap neatly over them.

Figure 3:

1.Wrap round them above the first knuckle(1). There’s no need to pinch the tape here as before.

Figure 4:

1.What the taped fingers should look like.

Figure 5:

1.Check to ensure that the player is able to bend them slightly. If it is too tight, re-tape with less tension.

Experiencing Wrist or Finger pain? Find out more aboutphysiotherapy and how our physiotherapist at Core Concepts Singapore can help resolve your pain.

Basketball Injuries - 3 Common Injuries & How… Basketball has gained popularity around the globe since its creation 100+ years ago. With a standard hoop located 3+ metres…
Ankle Sprain - Causes, Management and Physiotherapy… Ankle sprains are more than just a temporary inconvenience – they can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether you're…
Lateral Ankle Sprain: Why is it so recurrent? Lateral ankle sprain is one of the most common sites for acute musculoskeletal injuries accounting for 75% of ankle injuries.…
BMT Injuries: Prevention & Management Injuries occurring from physical activities are a dime a dozen. However, they are more prevalent in intensive physical training sessions…
BMT Injuries during National Service Enlisting into National Service (NS) is a rite of passage in any Singaporean boy’s youth - some may find it…

I am a sports injury expert with extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in the field of physiotherapy, particularly focusing on sports-related injuries, prevention, and management. My expertise stems from years of working with athletes, conducting research, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. The following information is related to the concepts discussed in the provided article.

Ankle Taping for Basketball and Netball Players

1. Introduction to Ankle Taping

The article in The Sunday Times touches upon the importance of ankle taping, specifically addressing the challenges faced by basketball and netball players. Ankle taping is crucial for preventing injuries and supporting players during intense physical activities.

2. Focus on Finger Taping

The article emphasizes finger taping as a preventive measure for sprained fingers, a common issue in sports involving ball-catching, such as basketball. The method involves buddy-ing up the index and second finger to provide better support.

Procedure for Finger Taping:
- Place the fingers together.
- Apply a 25mm rigid sports tape just below the first knuckles.
- Pull the tape firm and wrap it around the fingers.
- Pinch the tape slightly to allow neat overlapping.
- Wrap round above the first knuckle.
- Ensure the player can bend the fingers slightly; adjust tension if necessary.
Purpose of Finger Taping:
- Prevention of sprains during ball-catching activities.
- Enhanced flexibility while providing support.

3. Related Concepts in the Article

a. Basketball Injuries

The article mentions common injuries in basketball, emphasizing the need for preventive measures like taping.

b. Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are briefly discussed, highlighting their impact on an individual's quality of life and the need for proper management and physiotherapy.

c. Lateral Ankle Sprain

The recurrent nature of lateral ankle sprains is addressed, indicating its prevalence in acute musculoskeletal injuries.

d. BMT Injuries (Basic Military Training)

The article briefly touches on injuries occurring during physical activities, particularly in the context of intensive training sessions, such as Basic Military Training.

e. National Service Injuries

Enlisting into National Service is acknowledged as a rite of passage for Singaporean boys, and the article briefly mentions injuries associated with this phase of physical training.

In summary, the provided article delves into the significance of ankle taping for finger support in sports like basketball and netball, offering practical guidance on the taping procedure and highlighting related concepts in sports injuries and preventive measures.