Why Do Volleyball Players Tape their Fingers? Real reasons

When you play, you get to know a few things no matter how safely you play. The sharp sting of a jammed finger during a crucial block. The nagging ache in the joints after a long tournament. These sensations are all too familiar to any seasoned volleyball player. But it wasn’t until my college years that I discovered the game-changing magic of properly taping my fingers.

I remember the first match I played with my fingers taped – it felt strange at first, almost restrictive. But as the game progressed, I noticed something remarkable. My hits were more precise, my blocks more solid, and most surprisingly, I felt more confident in my plays. That match ended up being one of my best performances of the season.

From that day forward, taping became an essential part of my pre-game ritual, not just for protection but as a psychological boost that reminded me I was ready to give my all on the court.

What is finger taping, and does it really work?

You might be wondering, “Is finger-taping really that big of a deal?” Well, in this article, we’re going to unpack the six key reasons why volleyball players, from high school gyms to Olympic arenas, swear by this practice. 

You might have noticed professional volleyball players playing with taped fingers. Sometimes, they even tape their wrists. 

While it does protect your fingers against injuries, that’s not all. Besides safety, there are other reasons why players do that. Read on to learn more about it.

Whether you’re a player looking to up your game, a coach aiming to keep your team in top form, or a curious fan, you’re in for some fascinating insights. We’ll explore how this simple technique can prevent injuries, enhance performance, and even provide a mental edge. 

So, let’s dive in and unravel the mystery behind those white-wrapped digits you see on the volleyball court!

Why Do Volleyball Players Wear Tape on Their Fingers? 

Finger taping in volleyball is a simple technique that can significantly impact your performance and safety on the court.    

Here are the reasons why volleyball players tape their fingers:  

1. Protection against Injuries   

In volleyball, your fingers and arms are your greatest assets. When on the court, there are chances of injuries like sprain, strain, and fracture.   

Back when I played volleyball, finger taping wasn’t as common. I vividly remember competing in inter-state matches and witnessing a fantastic dig from my opponent. With all the spiking, blocking, and digging I did, it sent a searing pain through my fingers.  

Little did I know, a simple preventative measure like finger taping could have saved me a lot of grief (and probably some long-term damage).  

Taping the fingers provides an extra layer of defense against the constant impact and friction, which can lead to sprains, strains, and even fractures. 

2. Stability and Support   

The repetitive motions in volleyball, especially those involving quick and powerful movements, can cause fingers to bend unnaturally. 

By taping the fingers, players can stabilize their joints and reduce unwanted movement. This added support helps maintain proper alignment, making it easier to control the ball.  

Take buddy taping for instance, where two fingers are taped together to combine their strength and reduce the risk of injuries.  

3. Pain Management  

Many players continue to play with minor injuries or strains. Taping can prevent discomfort by providing compression and support to the affected areas. This reduces pain and speeds recovery by limiting excessive movement and preventing further injury.  

4. Enhanced Grip  

Volleyballs can be slippery, and maintaining a firm grip is essential for effective passing, setting, and serving. Taping the fingers can increase friction between the skin and the ball, providing a more secure hold. This is particularly useful in sweaty conditions or when the ball is wet.  

5. Protection for Your Nails  

Nail protection is a significant concern for volleyball players, especially blockers and hitters. After all, no one wants crooked nails!  

Taping can prevent nails from breaking or getting caught during play. This also keeps the player focused on the game without the distraction of nail-related injuries.  

6. Moisture Retention  

Finger taping volleyball is also done to retain moisture. During intense matches, your fingers can get dry and cracked, especially in cold weather. Taping helps hold in moisture, preventing the skin from drying out and cracking, which can be painful and affect performance.  

Types of Finger Taping Techniques in Volleyball  

There are plenty of techniques you can try out to protect your fingers: 

• Buddy taping: This method is essentially taping two fingers together, typically an injured one to another finger for support. This adds strength and stability, so you can continue without worsening the injury.  
• Nail protection: Players often apply tape over the fingertip and wrap it around to shield the nail from impact.  
• Criss-cross taping: To prevent excessive bending, criss-cross taping on the back of the joint can keep the fingers straight and stable during intense movements like blocking or diving.  
• In cases of sprains or injuries, wrapping the finger with gauze and athletic tape provides essential support and aids in recovery, ensuring players can perform without aggravating existing conditions.   

Stepwise Process to Tape Your Fingers for Volleyball  

Now that you know why taping your fingers is crucial, here’s the process of taping your fingers for a strong play: 

Step 1: Find the Right Setting  

Find a flat, clean surface to work on. Ensure your fingers are dry and free from any dirt or sweat.  

Step 2: Cushion with Gauze  

Take a piece of gauze and neatly fold it. Slide it between the fingers you are going to tape to cushion the skin and reduce friction.  

Step 3: Secure with Athletic Tape  

Start at the base of your fingers and wrap the athletic tape around a few times. This initial wrapping secures the tape and provides a firm base for further taping.  

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Step 4: Wrap the Tape  

Wrap the tape across the joints of your fingers. This helps support and stabilize them, preventing overextension or uncomfortable bends while playing.  

Step 5: Protect your Fingertips  

To shield your nails and fingertips, apply more tape around the bottom of each nail and over the tips. This extra layer of tape offers protection against impact and helps prevent injuries common in volleyball.  

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Step 6: Check Mobility and Comfort  

After taping, gently flex and extend your fingers. Ensure you maintain a comfortable range of motion without any restrictions. The tape should provide support while allowing you to grip and move naturally.  

Step 7: Seek Assistance and Adapt 

Taping your dominant hand can be tricky alone. Ask a teammate, coach, or trainer for assistance to ensure thorough and effective taping.  

Also, every player’s hands are different, so do not experiment with different techniques. Instead, find what works best for you in terms of comfort and effectiveness on the court. 

Tips for Perfect Finger Taping for Volleyball  

Proper taping not only acts as a shield for your fingers and hands but also strengthens your game. Whether you’re addressing past injuries or preventing new ones, proper taping technique is essential. 

Here are some top tips to help you tape your fingers better:  

• Do not tape your fingers too tightly to avoid blocking blood flow 
• If taping causes more pain or discomfort, take it off and visit a doctor  
• Practice taping beforehand to do it properly 
• Remove the tape right away if you feel numbness, tingling, or a change of skin color  

Jammed/Sprained Fingers: What Do You Do?  

Finger sprains and injuries are common for volleyball players. I know how badly you want to get back on the court. However, you need effective treatment and healing to be back stronger.  

Here are some quick tips to accelerate recovery from a jammed or sprained finger in volleyball.  

1. Rest immediately after the injury to avoid worsening the damage.  
2. Assess the injury’s severity; consult a doctor if you can’t move your finger or if the pain is severe.  
3. Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling and pain for 15-20 minutes at regular intervals.  
4. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin or ibuprofen to manage pain and inflammation, following dosage instructions.  
5. Buddy tape the injured finger to a healthy adjacent finger using athletic tape for support and mobility.  
6. Do gentle finger exercises to keep flexibility and help healing. Move your fingers through their full range of motion several times a day. 
7. Use a rubber ball to strengthen finger muscles by gently squeezing and releasing it three times daily. You can with about 10 squeezes per session.   
8. Start with light volleyball drills once the pain lessens and your finger is stronger. Gradually increase the intensity to avoid re-injury. 

Wrapping Up  

Proper finger taping is essential for volleyball players. It provides crucial support, prevents injuries, and ensures you’re always ready to contribute. Learn the correct taping technique to avoid mid-game issues and stay reliable for your team. 

Incorporate taping into your pre-game routine for consistent performance. Remember, taking care of your fingers is a key part of maintaining your overall game.  

Keep those fingers safe and your game strong. Stay tuned for more practical volleyball tips to elevate your play. 

FAQs on Finger Taping in Volleyball