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How to Tape a Foot for Soccer

Jul 4, 2011 | By Cecilia Harsch
How to Tape a Foot for Soccer
Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California states that 20 percent to 30 percent of all soccer injuries during a match involve an ankle. It is important to protect the ankles of the soccer player with stabilization through taping. A modified basket weave, incorporating heel locks, winds around the foot to support the soccer player's ankle to avoid injuries. The tape adds strength to the ankle without cutting off the player's circulation.

Step 1

Have the player sit on a flat, stable surface with the lower part of the calf extended. Have the player keep his foot flexed.

Step 2

Wrap the foot with a roll of pre-wrap foam tape beginning just below the calf. Circle below the calf with 2-inch foam tape. Begin spiral wrapping the foam tape down toward the ankle and heel, overlapping each wrap of the tape slightly with the next wrap of the tape. It does not matter if you wrap clockwise or counterclockwise.

Step 3

Wrap the tape around the ankle, then around the foot just behind the arch. Make two or three wraps in this area with the roll of tape, alternating from around the ankle to around the foot. The tape will crisscross in front of the ankle when done correctly.

Step 4

Spiral wrap along the foot with the foam tape, covering the arch of the foot and ending just behind the ball of the foot.

Step 5

Cut two lengths of 1 1/2-inch wide white athletic tape to fit around the player's leg just below where you started the foam tape. Cut two additional pieces of tape to fit around the player's foot just behind where you ended the foam tape. Place the two "anchor" wraps around the foot and below the calf.

Step 6

Cut three or four "stirrup" strips of athletic tape to reach from the anchor wrap on the leg, down the inside of the leg, around the heel, up the outside of the leg and back to the anchor wrap. Cut three or four "horseshoe" strips of tape reaching from the top of the foot, around the back of the ankle above the heel, and back to the top of the foot.

Step 7

Place the first stirrup strip on the leg, smoothing down the tape. Wrap the first horseshoe strip around the ankle and onto the top of the foot, smoothing this tape as well. Alternate between the stirrups and horseshoes, overlapping each piece of tape slightly, moving the stirrup strips closer to the front of the leg and the horseshoe strips down over the entire ankle, creating a basket weave.

Step 8

Place the end of the tape on the bottom of the foot at the arch. Wrap the tape over the top of the instep and back under the foot. Pull the tape around the back of the heel with the tape adhering just beneath the ankle. Continue to pull the tape around the heel and over the top of the instep, then back around the bottom of the foot. Bring the tape around the back of the ankle once more, then around the front of the ankle. This is a continual heel lock wrap, similar to a figure eight, and when done correctly, naturally falls on each side of the ankle.

Step 9

Cut two pieces of athletic tape to fit around the foot at the arch. Cut at least 5 pieces of tape to fit around the leg, beginning at the ankle and working up to the top of the wrap.

Step 10

Wrap the first piece of tape around the foot at the arch, then overlap the second piece of tape around the foot, slightly closer to the ankle. Wrap the first piece of tape around the leg and over the ankle. Overlap each piece of tape with the next as you work up the leg. Cut additional pieces of tape if necessary to cover the entire wrap on the leg.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-inch foam tape
  • 1 1/2-inch white athletic tape
  • Scissors

References

Article reviewed by Debbie C Last updated on: Jul 4, 2011

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