Lacrosse Tape – What’s the Deal?
When it comes to taping your lacrosse stick there are a few different lacrosse stick tape designs that you can try. Some players have pre-game rituals and re-tape their stick prior to every game; while others like myself, use the same lacrosse tape jobs until they have to re-tape their stick.
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Lacrosse Tape Rules
- If you take faceoffs then you must have a contrasting color of tape to your lacrosse shaft. This means that if you have a white lacrosse shaft you cannot have white tape or if you have a black shaft you cannot have black tape for faceoffs. Also, you can not have multiple layers at the top of your stick when taking faceoffs.
- You must have a butt end, I would suggest a rubber one or plastic. Some players tape a quarter to the end of the shaft and then just tape over it. This method is common, but I have never been a fan. Also getting caught with a homemade butt “could” land you an illegal equipment penalty.
Lacrosse Tape Jobs and Lacrosse Tape Styles
The Criss Cross Tape Job
I personally have never been a big fan of these styles of tape on my lacrosse sticks, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you! The reason why I have never been a fan is for functionality reasons. When it comes to looks, these tape jobs will add some flair to your game. Lyle Thompson in this video from The Lacrosse Network says he uses a criss-cross style of tape when he plays field lacrosse but when playing box he just tapes his stick halfway up.
The Candy Cane Tape Job
I personally have never been a big fan of these styles of tape on my lacrosse sticks, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for you! The reason why I have never been a fan is for functionality reasons. When it comes to looks, these tape jobs will add some flair to your game. Lyle Thompson in this video from The Lacrosse Network says he uses a criss-cross style of tape when he plays field lacrosse but when playing box he just tapes his stick halfway up.
The Standard Tape Job
The Classic 1/4 Tape Job has been loved and used by my players over
Youth Lacrosse Tape Job
When I first started teaching my brother how to play lacrosse, I wrote Left Hand Always, Right Hand Shooting, and Right Hand Catching on the three locations; so he had an added reminder. It seems silly, but it helped him a lot and eventually I retaped his stick without the writing.
Box or 1/2 Tape Job
One of the most popular lacrosse tape styles is the 1/2 Box Tape Job.
How to tape a Lacrosse Stick
Prior to Taping Your Lacrosse Stick You Should
- If you don’t like really grippy lacrosse tape then take an old pair of gloves and twist the palms on your shaft to remove the excess adhesive.
- Clean your lacrosse tape before you re-tape it. This helps ensure that your lacrosse tape will have the best contact with your shaft. This, in turn, will provide you with a long-lasting tape job.
The Do’s of Taping Your Lacrosse Stick
- Start from the bottom of your lacrosse shaft and work your way up, rather than from the top down. This will help the lacrosse tape lay flat and not pull up or roll-up. This will also increase the life of your tape job so you don’t have to retape as often.
- Use a hair blow dryer to heat up your tape after it’s applied to your lacrosse shaft and run your hand over it to ensure it’s secured. This helps prevent the tape from rolling or giving you those little frays that are annoying.
The Don’ts of Taping Your Lacrosse Stick
- Don’t use wax on it. I once had a player tell me that he would take some candle wax and rub it on his tape so it wasn’t as sticky. This did not work and I just wasted my tape since I did not like how it felt.
- Like I said above, don’t start at the top!
- Don’t re-tape your lacrosse stick prior to a game if you do not like really grippy tape. This will only throw your game off.
Step 1 – Grab your Lacrosse Butt End
Step 3 – Prepare Your Lacrosse Tape
Step 4 – Prepare Your Lacrosse Shaft
Step 5 – Get a Solid Base, Angle Your Tape, and Head Up Your Shaft
Step 6 – Once You Get To A Stopping Point, Wrap Around A Few Times
Step 7 – Now Head Back Down The Lacrosse Shaft
Lacrosse Tape FAQ
Where do you put the tape on a lacrosse stick?
Lacrosse tape is a personal preference for any player and there is no right or wrong way to do it. Experiment with different styles to see which one you like the most and then stick with it. Keeping your lacrosse stick as consistent as you can is always the move. See the five main styles of lacrosse tape below. Learn More About Lax Tape
Can you have tape on your lacrosse head?
No, Lacrosse Tape can not touch your lacrosse head for Youth, High School, or College Level Lacrosse.
Should you tape your lacrosse stick?
The lacrosse tape is not an aspect of your lacrosse stick that can make you better. It can, however, enhance the control of your lacrosse stick depending on your preference. Players typically use tape when they first start playing to remind them where to put their hands when shooting or passing.