Many hockey players bandage their sticks before a game as a ritual. In wrapping hockey sticks, the other players may have their own methods. However, players need to know the basics of wrapping the handle and the stick properly. Start at step 1 to learn the basics.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Wrapping the Stick Blade
Hockey players must bandage the blades of their sticks to protect the adhesive that holds the layers of wood together, increasing the stick's durability and lifespan. Apart from that, many players like the sensation of a bandaged blade. This dressing will provide a firmer twist, touch and grip. Wrapping can be done on the entire stick, or only on the bat
Step 1. Gather materials and tools
First of all, of course you need a hockey stick. The dressing is carried out depending on the wearer's dominant hand, and the position of the player (the goalkeeper's stick is different from the usual player's stick). Basically, the process of wrapping all the sticks is the same. In addition, you will need:
- Cloth plaster.
- Scissors or sharp knife.
- Stick candles, slide candles, or plain old candles
Step 2. Choose a color that fits the tape for the stick
For some players, the color of the plaster plays an important role for both identification and practical reasons. Specially colored plaster will make your stick instantly recognizable to your teammates, so passes will come to you more often. This trick was popularized by Bobby Orr.
Use black tape to cover the puck. Plaster that is the same color as the puck is easier to trick opponents, because the puck will be difficult to see while being carried. On the other hand, white plaster will make it easier for you to control the puck because it is easier to see. Or, use uniform colors with teammates to make it easier to find friends during matches
Step 3. Cut a thin strip of plaster and glue it to the base of the blade
Before wrapping the stick, apply the tape to the base of the stick that will often touch the ice. Keep the tape centered on the edge of the blade.
Some players bandage this section to get rid of thorns or gaps in the wooden slats. Check the smoothness of the stick blade and perform maintenance if there is a problem
Step 4. Start at the heel or foot of the stick
Choose the starting point of the bandage, some start from the toe to the heel and some the other way around. Wrap the tape vertically around the width of the stick, then lower the tape diagonally. The distance of the overlapping dressings should not be more than 0.6 cm.
- In the past, people advised to wrap from the toe to the heel because it will strengthen the twist of the shot. However, recent research suggests that twisting actually slows down the puck rate. Choose the direction of dressing according to the style and purpose of playing.
- For a quicker release, wrap the stick from heel to toe. For a strong twist, wrap from toe to heel. The twist will slow the ball down, but the goalkeeper will have a hard time making a 5-hole save because the puck is still spinning when it stops between the pads.
Part 2 of 3: Wrapping the Stick Grip
The hockey player will wrap the knob to keep the upper hand in position, so that the end of the stick can be felt without having to look. The stickiness of the tape will also strengthen the grip on the stick. Some players consider the crown wrapping unnecessary because removable knobs are available
Step 1. To make the knobs, start with the napkin
It may seem awkward at first, but starting the knob with a small piece of paper (like a napkin) will help. This napkin will mark the end of the stick clearly when held.
Start with a folded sheet of paper at the edge of the handle, just below the knob. Cover it with tape several times so it doesn't slide. If the stick doesn't have a place for the knob, wrap the end of the stick where the knob would normally be
Step 2. Measure the tape along the forearm
Use the distance from the wrist to the elbow to determine the length of the bandage on the stick. Wrap it firmly on the stick handle diagonally. Don't cut the plaster first.
The bandage starts from the flat part of the tape (where it stops bending) back to the handle and over the rope. Overlap slightly until the wrap returns to the knob. Apply the bandage a few more times to make it firm and then cut the tape
Step 3. Save on tape to get the grip you want
Too much plaster will add to the weight of the stick, making it tiring to carry it around all the time. Find the appropriate portion of the bandage so that the stick can be worn comfortably and responsively.
Once you've found a suitable dressing, measure the length of the tape when it's removed after the game. Record how much tape is used and use the size of the tape at your next stick dressing session
Step 4. Do the experiment
Test things out to find a dressing that fits you. Try different types of plaster, wax and knobs until the grip feels just right. The way each player plays is different, so how to hold it is also different. Most importantly, find the grip that fits you best.
Part 3 of 3: Completion Stage
Step 1. Smooth out the bubbling plaster with a puck
Start with the bar from the heel and press all the way to the end. Rub the puck along the length of the tape to smooth out the dressing and deflate any bubbles that appear. The friction from the puck will strengthen the bond of the tape to the blade, making your playing movements smoother.
Step 2. Give the candles
Take some wax and apply it to all the plastered parts of the blade. This way the plaster won't get soaked so it lasts longer. This will be very useful if you shoot a lot.
- For best results, use special wax sticks. These candles can be purchased at sports shops that sell hockey equipment. If not available, ordinary candles can be used.
- Make sure the ice rink allows you to use candles. Some rinks don't update their ice regularly so the use of candles is not allowed.
Step 3. Try giving some extras
Some players wrap up with complicated routines. They add various things to the stick for personal and practical reasons. Take a look at how to bandage other players, who knows there's something you can emulate.
Some players like to add a thick roll of tape to the stick in the middle to the bottom with a thickness of 1 cm so that the stick is easily removed from the ice with gloves on
Tips
- Wrap the handle of the kevlar stick about 30 cm above the point where the blade meets the stick to prevent damage.
- White plaster is commonly used on the top end of the stick to reduce glove damage.
- If you are using black tape on the handle, use black cloth tape ("athletic tape") and NOT friction tape (the sticky black tape usually used on hockey sticks). Friction plaster will stain and accelerate glove wear.
