Why do Football Players Tape their Cleats? Expert Insight
Football players feel that there are a few specific purposes for taping their cleats that have a positive impact on their proficiency and protection. Taping also reduces the friction between the cleats and feet as they are more tightly positioned on the feet and stop the formation of blisters.
It also gives additional support to the ankle and helps to avoid situations where a person may twist his or her ankle. Taping can be helpful with the laces to enhance the grip, in case of contact with a ball or another player, and keep a correct touch with the shoes.
These factors improve comfort and performance in the game, hence the need to consider them when planning the game.
Types of Football Tapes
Players also employ various types of tapes to check their types of equipment and stabilize muscles and joint straps.
Ankle tape
This tape assists in holding the ankle joint so that it does not twist or become damaged and this is especially important for players who have an ankle problem or weak ankles.
Athletic Tape
A very tough yet elastic strap is applied at the joints such as ankles and wrists, as well as to other parts of the body to reduce the risks of getting injured during playtime.
Spatting Tape
Worn around shoes and feet, this household item ensures that everything fits and provides added support, helping lower the chances of getting hurt.
Ankle Brace
Ankle braces come as close to the tapes as possible, although they are not classified as tapes themselves. It comes in the form of rigid support and fits snugly around the ankle, which makes it ideal as an extra layer of protection.
Zinc Oxide Tape
The best choice for holding garments and accessories together as well as stabilizing joints; is a rigid, non-elastic tape.
Kinesiology Tape
The product is a soft and stretchable binder that asserts muscles and joints with flexibility rather than constraining them. Such as in cases where one needs to ease pain or to assist muscles to relax after an intense workout.
Pros and Cons of Taping Cleats
Pros | Cons |
Change in grips on the ball and soil | Can be painful if not applied well |
More of a temporary fix than a permanent | Needs frequent attention and re-strapping |
Holds sneaker hoods and shinguard tightly | Could leave residues behind around gears |
Provides extra ankle support | More of a temporary fix than permanent |
Tips for Using Football Tape
- Use flexible athletic tape since it provides comfort and lasts long.
- Wrap tape snugly to secure cleats and prevent movement.
- Regularly replace tape to maintain hygiene and effectiveness.
- Practice with taped cleats to get used to the feel.
- Avoid bringing pressure points and similar discomfort effects by the use of the tape.
What Else do Soccer Players use Tape For?
They have to fix the shin Guards because they can move during a game and this can cause a lot of discomfort. Tape is also awesome to provide support to parts of the body that may be tender or hurt such as when we wrap it around the ankles or wrists.
Players sometimes use it to prevent the jersey sleeves from slipping or draw some markings on the field for training. Tape is a simple solution to maintain comfort and achieve the best performance during the match.
Read More: Metal Cleats in Youth Soccer: Do Soccer Players Wear Them?
Soccer Taping Rules You Need to Know
Soccer, like any other sport, has some major guidelines application of tape to ensure safety and fairness. Any items of jewelry such as necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings, and bands have to be removed before beginning play.
Many of you had the chance to do this Without any doubt they will examine every person involved in the match to make sure that they do not have on them any article that is prohibited.
At the start of each game, everyone wearing a uniform shall be searched to certify they do not have any jewelry on them. Covering is permitted for necessary purposes such as making sure shin guards stay secure or for medical purposes, if it is safe and warranted.
Why do Footballers Put Tape on their Socks?
Protectors are applied on the shinning area of the footballer while socks are placed around the legs of the football players, and the footballers put tape on their socks mainly because of the shin guards.
Boots can slide as a game is in progress, and the tape keeps the shin guards in place. It also prevents their socks from dropping down or compressing which can be difficult. Also, the tape can provide somewhat of a proprioceptive element to their ankles, and avoid injuries.
Through taping of socks, the players are aware that their gears will not move around and thus can be able to concentrate more on the game.
Read More: Can You Wear Soccer Cleats For Flag Football?
Which type of Tape do Soccer Players Use?
Soccer players normally use an affordable type of tape known as athletic or sports tape. This shall ‘tis made not to bind but to stabilize yet it is strong enough to support adequate flexibly for the body to be active.
Some players advocate the use of cohesive bandages which are also referred to as self-adhesive tape and these only stick to themselves and not the skin. Electrical tape is also quite preferred as it is flexible and can conveniently be wrapped around socks and shin guards.
All type of tapes have their advantages but they all act as protective gear for the player’s tools and provide comfort to the player while playing.
Final Words:
This type of bandaging together with lacing remains one of the features of football gear that are certainly useful and serve protective purposes.
Tape is critical for a player to have since it provides stability to shin guards from slipping, reduces chances of developing blisters, and provides additional support around the ankle region.
It seems sensible to learn how to use differential types of tapes because they may bring a big difference to the player and prevent them from getting injuries on the field.
FAQs:
Why footballer’s legs are curved?
Footballers’ legs are normally muscular since they take part in any physical training and activities that call for muscular bodies. This can make their legs seem to be muscular and at times curved.
Why do footballers put their arms before taking a corner?
When playing football there are several instances that footballers will lift their arms during a corner kick, this is often a signal. It is very useful in relaying information about plays or positions that one intends to achieve for the team to have a common understanding.