You’ve probably heard of hockey tape. And if you haven’t, you’ve probably seen it – there’s a good chance you’ve even used it.
Often marketed as a performance enhancer, hockey tape is used by athletes to help improve their stick-handling and shooting abilities. In fact, it’s often touted as the “gold standard” among shooting sports.
But what is hockey tape, really? And is it as effective as the hype would have you believe?
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The Evolution Of Hockey Tape
Hockey tape has been around since the early 1900s. At first, the tape was simply used to prevent slipping on ice. Then it began being used to bind hockey sticks together. Finally, engineers began using it to strengthen hockey pads.
While the basic concept of hockey tape is simple, the modern varieties are extremely complex.
Traditional hockey tape is a combination of fiberglass, hemp, and neoprene. These days, most hockey tapes are designed to withstand high speeds and extreme impacts without breaking down. And the ones that are designed for speed are often used by pro football and basketball players too.
Nowadays, hockey tape is available in a variety of materials, shapes, and sizes. And while you might think that the larger the better, that’s not necessarily the case. If you’re looking to improve your shooting or stick handling skills, the smaller the tape the better. At least, according to Gunnar Nordstrom – a professional hockey player and coach. In an interview with Pro Hockey Talk, Nordstrom said,
“The smaller the tape the better when it comes to shooting. The smaller the better actually because it allows for more precision. And what I mean by that is if you’re using a smaller tape, you can actually move the stick a little bit more and be more precise with your shot.”
How Effective Is It?
There’s no question that hockey tape can dramatically improve your stick-handling and shooting skills. But just because something can improve your game doesn’t mean that it will inevitably do so. Like any other performance enhancer, hockey tape can only help you reach your full potential, if you know how to properly use it.
According to Scott Cruickshank, a physical therapist who specializes in biomechanics and the prevention of sports injuries, the key to using hockey tape effectively is to tape the stick in the right position. Also, he said, “You need to have a firm grip on the stick, but you must distribute your hand evenly around the circumference to get the optimum benefit from the tape.”
When used correctly, hockey tape can be a powerful tool — capable of enhancing your abilities beyond what you thought possible. But, like any other performance enhancer, it’s essential that you do your research and choose the right product for the job.
How Do I Use It?
Since the advent of hockey tape, there’s been a variety of methods to apply it. You can either roll it on like traditional tape, or use double-sided tape to bind the stick together. The key is to make sure that the tape is in the right position when you first apply it. Then you need to be sure that it doesn’t move around too much while you’re playing. Otherwise, you risk losing all the benefits that the tape offered you.
Of course, we’re not suggesting that you use tape to hold your hockey stick together. That’s called a locker and it’s designed for that specific purpose. What you need for stick handling and shooting are sliders, also known as flexible arm restraints.
While a slider is similar to a locker in that it holds your stick in place, it differs in that it doesn’t cover the entire circumference of the stick. This allows for more freedom of movement – enhancing your shot’s accuracy and feel. When used correctly, a slider can help you increase your scoring potential by 10 to 15 percent.
What Kind Of Effect Does It Have?
Like any other performance enhancer, hockey tape can help you become a better player. In fact, it can help you become an entirely new player – one capable of scoring goals you never thought possible.
But that doesn’t mean that the use of tape is without its drawbacks. For instance, using tape to bind your hockey stick can increase the stress on your wrist and arm – potentially leading to injury. And while some athletes believe that tape can improve their speed, others worry that it will hinder their performance due to increased friction.
Other than these minor harms, there are rarely any negative effects associated with the use of tape. In most cases, applying tape is simple and painless, and it often improves your overall game. So, unless you have a specific reason not to, there’s no reason not to try it out.
It’s important to note that not all hockey tape is created equal. Some brands are designed to be more flexible and durable than others. So, it’s important to do your research and find out what type of tape is suitable for your needs. While most hockey tapes will do the job, some may not be as good as you’d hoped – especially if you plan on using them for speed applications.
Should I Use It Or Avoid It?
If you’re looking for a magic cure for your hockey games, you might be disappointed by hockey tape. But if you’re looking for a tool to help you play at your maximum potential – one that’s safe and doesn’t hurt your performance in any way – then tape might just be what you’re looking for.
Traditional hockey tape can be a useful tool, but it’s not going to make or break your game. Instead, it’s something you can use to help you reach your full potential as a hockey player, safe in the knowledge that it won’t hurt your performance in any way. For that, we think traditional tape is pretty great – especially since it’s so easy to apply.