Tapes for Protection
Players of all levels can tape various parts of the body to help protect against injury. The most common uses are to use a thin elastic tape for taping fingers to add strength to joints and aid ball retention. Ankles and wrists can be taped with zinc oxide products of varying widths and if you prefer you can use underwrap to stop chafing and add shock protection. Zinc Oxide tapes are also used to protect shoulder joints from contact damage. Other areas which can be strapped are elbows and knees, although many players prefer to use supports for these areas.
Tapes for Lineout Jumpers
Tape is often used to aid the lifters grip with lineout jumpers and the normal method is to use a wide elastic tape which is not very sticky, this is then held in place with plastic electrical or equivalent tape. The other method available for jumpers is to use tape adhesive which can be sprayed onto the thighs, if you use this method then you need to ensure you have a supply of the removal fluid or spray. The adhesive spray can also be used on the hands to aid grip, this is particularly useful in wet conditions, again it will need removal prior to washing.
Safe taping
Taping although of great benefit is a skill that requires training to complete correctly. This is usually an activity completed by the team physio and under no circumstances should you tape yourself unless you have received instruction in the correct application.
