We are a big fan of finger taping. It's the secret sauce for grappling sports, climbing, and martial arts.
Want a killer grip? Tape up. Need to keep an injured finger in check? Tape up. 💪
SPORTTAPE Finger Tape amps up performance and shields fingers from further damage. Simple.
We will share with you two effective finger-taping techniques used by athletes, so you can master them too!
HOW DO ATHLETES USE FINGER TAPING:
THE PURPOSE OF FINGER TAPING
A must-know for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, finger taping provides much-needed support and stability.
It's your frontline defense against common injuries like sprains, dislocations, and even fractures. It's also an effective aid for healing existing injuries by restricting movement and easing strain on affected joints and tendons.
Whether you're a pro athlete or a beginner, mastering finger taping can significantly boost your performance and protect your fingers from potential damage.
The go-to for most finger taping is a 1.25cm roll of Zinc Oxide Tape.
Let's dive into its common uses and the right way to apply it...
X Taping
X taping is the most popular finger taping application. Athletes use this application in combat sports (such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling and MMA), and also in climbing.
This technique can help to prevent excessive force being applied to the joints in the fingers when gripping and grappling. Using it shifts the strength focus from your fingers to your wrists and hands, boosting your grip strength.
STEP 1
Rip a long strip of 1.25cm or 2.5cm Zinc Oxide Tape and wrap it 1-2 times around the finger that you want to tape, just beneath the knuckle.
STEP 2
Bring the tape up at an angle over the front knuckle joint line creating one half of an X. Wrap the tape 1-2 times around the upper knuckle, making sure not to tape over the real joint line as you still need to be able to bend the finger.
STEP 3
Come back down to where you started, again crossing the joint line to make a full X. Wrap it 1-2 more times around lower finger to lock it off.
You should be able to still bend the finger but it should feel supported and the last couple of degrees locked off by the thickness of the tape. This'll force you into using more forearm strength when gripping rather than purely the fingers.
STEP 4
From there, repeat this technique on as many fingers as you need.
This application is incredibly important in martial arts if you are grappling on the mat. Your fingers will be prevented from being forced into rotation when trapped against the floor. This'll prevent injury and also allow you to roll, or flip, your opponent more easily.
Buddy Taping
Aptly called Buddy Taping as you'll be taping one finger to another. It's simple, but really effective.
By taping two fingers together, you stop the injured one from moving sideways, lowering the risk of sprains and breaks from 'jammed fingers.' This taping method is a favorite among BJJ fighters.
STEP 1
Rip 2 strips of Zinc Oxide Tape, about the same length as your finger. The best size for this application is a 2.5cm width.
STEP 2
Start taping on the bottom of the ‘good’ finger, then wrap around the ‘bad’ finger, splinting the two together.
STEP 3
Once again, repeat at the top of the finger to create 2 points of splinting. Your fingers should feel strong and well-supported.
That’s it. X Taping and Buddy Taping explained. Finger taping made easy.
By mastering the proper techniques, you can ensure that your fingers receive the necessary support and stability during strenuous activities. Whether you're aiming to prevent injuries or aid in recovery, finger taping is a simple yet effective measure that can make a significant difference.
Now get out there and win! And if you have any more questions for us about finger taping, drop us a line. We're happy to help!
