How to Tape Your Hockey Stick for Better Grip and Control

Taping your hockey stick is one of the most important pre-game rituals for any player. A well-taped stick improves grip, control, and durability, ensuring you get the best performance on the ice. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, knowing the best way to tape your stick can give you an edge on the ice. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about taping your hockey stick, including different techniques, the best materials to use, and how to maintain your tape job for optimal performance.

Why Tape Your Hockey Stick?

Taping your stick serves several key purposes:

• Better Grip: Taping the handle of your stick provides a comfortable grip and prevents your hands from slipping during play.

• Improved Puck Control: A taped blade offers better puck feel and control, making stickhandling, passing, and shooting more precise.

• Durability: Tape protects your stick from damage, extending its lifespan by reducing wear and tear on the blade.

• Customization: Taping your stick allows you to tailor it to your personal preferences, whether that means a thicker grip, a longer tape job, or a different blade style.

Choosing the Right Hockey Tape

There are different types of hockey tape available, and selecting the right one depends on your needs:

• Cloth Tape: The most commonly used tape for both the blade and handle. It provides excellent grip and durability.

• Grip Tape: A textured alternative to cloth tape, often used for the handle to enhance grip without feeling sticky.

• Shin Pad Tape: This is a clear, flexible tape not meant for sticks but useful for securing protective gear.

• Friction Tape: A rubberized tape that enhances puck control on the blade but wears out faster than cloth tape.

How to Tape the Handle for Better Grip

Taping the handle gives you better control of your stick, reduces slippage, and can help with hand positioning. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a Knob (Optional)

Some players prefer to have a knob at the top of the stick for a better grip.

1. Start by rolling a small piece of hockey tape into a thin cord.

2. Wrap it around the very top of the stick several times to form a knob.

3. If you prefer a larger knob, continue wrapping more layers.

Step 2: Wrapping the Shaft

1. Begin just below the knob and start wrapping tape downward at an angle.

2. Overlap the tape slightly (about half the width of the tape) to ensure full coverage.

3. Continue wrapping down the shaft to the desired length. Most players stop around the point where their top hand grips the stick.

Step 3: Add a Ribbed Grip (Optional)

For extra grip, you can add texture by:

• Twisting a strip of tape into a thin rope and wrapping it around the handle before covering it with a layer of tape.

• Using grip-enhancing tape such as friction tape or cloth tape.

How to Tape the Blade for Better Puck Control

Taping the blade improves puck control, enhances shooting accuracy, and protects the blade from damage.

Step 1: Choose Your Tape Color

• Black tape: Hides the puck from goalies and opponents.

• White tape: Helps players track the puck against the ice.

• Other colors: Purely for style and preference.

Step 2: Decide on Your Taping Style

Different taping styles affect puck control in various ways. Here are the most common methods:

• Full Blade Wrap: Covers the entire blade for maximum protection and control.

• Mid-to-Toe Wrap: Starts from the middle of the blade and covers to the toe, often preferred by players who emphasize shooting.

• Heel-to-Mid Wrap: Covers only the heel and middle, leaving the toe open for a lighter feel.

Step 3: Apply the Tape

1. Start at the heel of the blade (or toe if using a toe-to-heel method).

2. Wrap the tape around the blade, overlapping each layer slightly.

3. Continue until you reach the toe or stop at your desired point.

4. Cut the tape neatly with scissors or tear it by hand.

Step 4: Use Wax (Optional)

Applying wax over the taped blade provides:

• Waterproofing: Reduces ice and snow buildup.

• Improved Grip: Enhances puck control.

• Durability: Prolongs the life of the tape job. Simply rub a hockey wax puck along the tape to apply a light coat.

How Often Should You Re-Tape Your Stick?

• Handle: Every few games or when the tape begins to lose its grip.

• Blade: Whenever the tape starts to wear out, tear, or lose its puck control effectiveness—usually every 1-3 weeks depending on play intensity.

Customizing Your Tape Job

• Color: Tape color is personal preference. Some players believe black tape hides the puck better, while white tape offers a clean look and easier puck tracking.

• Patterns: Some players cut small slits or use alternate wrapping styles for aesthetics and better feel.

• Personal Superstitions: Many players develop unique taping rituals for consistency and confidence on the ice.

Final Thoughts

Taping your hockey stick properly can make a significant difference in your game. Whether you prefer a thick or thin handle, a fully taped blade or just the toe, experimenting with different styles can help you find what works best. Keep your tape job fresh, and always customize it to maximize your grip, control, and overall performance on the ice.

To view our selection of hockey tape, browse our Find a Retailer page and take a visit to your local Sports Excellence store. Find the tape that best fits your game!