Stock hockey sticks that come straight from the sporting goods store usually need to be customized. This can include improving the grip and blade with cloth tape. The tape is used to build up a custom grip and surface for the blade, making the stick more comfortable and effective to use. Tape allows many different grips and blade configurations to be created. A basic grip, the snake grip and a standard blade wrap are good starting points. The tape can easily be removed and re-wrapped to suit your needs as you become a more proficient player.
Taping the Snake Grip
Step 1
Stick the end of the roll of tape to the side of the handle at the end and wrap two turns around the handle, being careful to keep the edges of the tape even.
Step 2
Spool off between 12 and 18 inches of tape, depending on how long a handle is being created. Spin the tape spool repeatedly to roll the tape into a tight cord.
Step 3
Wrap the tape cord down the handle in a spiral. When the end of the cord is reached, stick the tape to the handle and wrap it around the handle two times to hold the tape in place.
Step 4
Continue to wrap the handle with the tape, working your way up the handle, covering the tape halfway with each new wrap. It helps to turn the stick as you are wrapping so the face of the handle you are wrapping is always facing you.
Step 5
Wrap the tape around the end several times when you reach the top of the handle to form a knob. Be careful to keep the edges of the tape even. When the knob is large enough, tear the tape and stick the end down to the knob.
Step 6
Press the tape down along the grip to ensure that it is adhering properly.
Taping the Blade
Step 1
Determine the area of the blade you want to tape. Hold the stick blade up in front of you.
Step 2
Start toward the heel end of the blade. Stick the loose end of the tape roll to the flat of the blade. Wrap the tape completely around the width of the blade, returning to and completely covering the beginning point of the tape.
Step 3
Continue to wrap the blade with the tape, working your way down the blade, covering the tape halfway with each new wrap. It helps to turn the stick as you are wrapping so the face of the blade you are wrapping is always facing you.
Step 4
Match the outside edges of the last wrap to the previous wrap to finish. Tear the tape off about an inch from the edge of the blade and flip the tape around the edge, sticking it to the back of the blade.
Step 5
Press the tape down with your hand over the entire blade to make sure it adheres well.
Things You'll Need
- Cloth tape
- Hockey stick
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