The Most Common EAB Taping Applications

Some people collect matchday programmes. Others? Strapping tape. You’ll find them at the side of the pitch, scissors in hand, already halfway through a roll before the ref’s even blown the whistle.

If that sounds like your idea of fun, or at least your job, then this guide to EAB’s greatest hits is for you. From ankles to ears (yes, ears), we’re walking through the most common ways EAB is used in sport, how to apply it, and what else you’ll need to get the job done properly.

Before we get stuck into the nitty-gritty applications, let’s cover the basics. Elastic Adhesive Bandage, or EAB for short, is one of the most versatile tapes in any sport physio’s kitbag. It's flexible, stretchy, and sticks directly to the skin, which makes it perfect for everything from light joint support to compression, or even just keeping lifting blocks and pads in place.

While it’s probably best known in the world of rugby (and you’ll definitely spot it wrapped around a flanker’s thigh or a fly-half’s wrist), EAB is used in nearly every sport. Football, netball, combat sports, CrossFit, you name it. If there are limbs to support, or impact to soften, EAB’s probably there doing the job.

There are two main types of EAB: Tearable and Non-Tearable. Both stick to the skin, both are stretchy, but they serve slightly different purposes.

Tear EAB is lighter, hand-tearable, and super versatile. It’s quick to apply, grips well in layers thanks to its crinkled texture, and is ideal for fast support or compression mid-game. Think wrists, thumbs, and thighs. Non-Tear EAB is thicker, stronger, and needs scissors to cut. It’s better for heavy-duty strapping, like locking down a shoulder or reinforcing a knee, and usually comes with a central line to help reduce overlap.

In short: Tear EAB is your all-rounder, Non-Tear EAB is your workhorse.

Ankle strapping is one of the most common EAB applications, especially in rugby, football, and netball. It’s regularly used to support the joint and help prevent rolling injuries during play.

You’ll usually want 5cm Tearable EAB for a good balance of support and flexibility. Start by anchoring the tape just above the ankle bone, then wrap it around the heel in a figure-8 pattern crossing under the foot and back over. Add a few extra strips across the front and back of the ankle for added stability, finishing with another anchor strip to hold it all in place. Easy.

This is often combined with a Tan Zinc Oxide Tape to keep everything secure on the move. The key is firm tension. Enough to support without restricting circulation or mobility.

If you want to learn exactly how it's done using EAB, check out our ankle strapping application page.

Wrist strapping is common in sports like rugby, boxing, and gymnastics, where wrist support and injury prevention are essential. It helps protect against hyperextension and provides light compression. Best part? It's super easy!

For this, a 5cm Tearable EAB works well, depending on wrist size and how much coverage you want. All you need to do is wrap your EAB around your wrist line 2-3 times. This is all about finding your desired level of support.

Often, this taping is combined with rigid tapes like Zinc to add extra stability, especially in contact sports. The goal is to support movement while reducing the risk of injury.

Shoulder taping is common in rugby and contact sports where joint support and injury prevention are crucial. An effective application can limit excessive movement and stabilises the shoulder during play.

Non-Tear EAB (usually 5cm) is often used here for stronger, more durable support, but Tear will work just as well too. Start by anchoring the tape around the upper arm and across the front of the shoulder. Then, apply strips in a figure-8 or “H” pattern to restrict movement while allowing some flexibility. Finish with anchor strips to secure everything in place.

The main character in a shoulder strapping app is usually the Fixation Tape and a Tan Zinc Oxide Tape for that additional strength, especially after injuries. The aim is always firm support without completely restricting motion.

If you want to learn exactly how it's done, here's how we would recommend strapping a shoulder. 

Knee strapping is popular in sports like rugby, football, and netball to support the joint and reduce the risk of twists or strains. It’s great for providing light compression or extra stability during play.

You’ll usually want 5cm Tear EAB for this one, as it offers stronger, longer-lasting support. Start by anchoring the tape just above and below the knee, then wrap in figure-8 patterns around the joint to limit excessive movement. Add a few strips across the front or sides if extra reinforcement is needed.

Like our other strapping apps, having a Zinc Oxide Tape handy is always going to help, especially when recovering from injury. The key is firm but flexible, keeping the knee stable without locking it down completely.

If you want to learn exactly how it's done, here's how we would recommend strapping a knee. 

Thumb taping is a staple in sports like rugby and netball where thumb stability is key to grip and injury prevention. Using a 2.5cm Non-Tear EAB is perfect here. Small enough to wrap easily but strong enough to offer solid support.

Start with an anchor strip around the wrist, then tape around the base of the thumb, creating a figure-8 or “spica” pattern that limits painful movements while allowing some mobility. Finish with a few extra strips for reinforcement.

Fingers can also be taped with the 2.5cm Tear EAB, mainly to protect joints or hold together tape jobs on cuts or blisters. It’s quick, easy, and handy to have in your kit.

One final honourable mention goes to ear taping... a classic in rugby, especially among forwards who spend a lot of time in scrums. Tear EAB is used here to wrap around the head and secure the ears, helping prevent cauliflower ear. It’s simple, effective, and surprisingly common at all levels of the game.

And that’s the beauty of EAB. Whether you’re strapping up ankles, shoulders, thumbs, or even ears, it’s one of the most versatile tapes in any sports bag. Tear or Non-Tear, thick or narrow, there’s an EAB for every job and once you know how to use it, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Need to stock up? Or want to see these applications in action? Head to our learn page now and get practising!