Why Do Soccer Players Tape Their Wrist? Safety & Drip!

Professional soccer players tape their wrists to provide support and stability. But, many youth players are starting to wear them for the “cool factor” and no other reason than that.

Key Takeaways From This Article:

Many youth soccer players wear wrist tape to have more ‘drip’.
For a player suffering from a wrist sprain, taping their wrist can help stabilize it.
Here is the proper way to tape a player’s wrist (see video).

It’s a similar situation to when Allen Iverson made the arm sleeve popular in basketball. The NBA players made it popular at first and then it became mainstream.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind players wearing tape on their wrists during soccer matches.

Wearing Tape in Soccer Because it Looks Cool

Honestly, I hear youth soccer players admit that the only reason why they wear tape is because it looks cool. Rather than have naked wrists, they prefer to tape them up like the pros.

If it makes them feel better, then why not? Having drip can sometimes give a boost of self-esteem that kids need!

Many athletes have their superstitions so I say whatever floats their boat…just roll with it.

Wrist Tape for Soccer Injury Prevention

Soccer players are often seen with tape wrapped around their wrists during matches. This may seem like a minor detail, but it is actually an important part of their preparation for the game.

One of the main reasons soccer players tape their wrists is to provide support and stability to the joint.

The wrist is one of the most important joints in the body, and it is quite involved in soccer to make tackles, being grabbed, and landing when a player gets knocked off their feet.

The repetitive movements and impact can cause strain and stress on the wrist, which can lead to injuries.

Taping the wrist of a soccer player can help prevent these injuries by providing support to the joint and reducing the risk of sprains and strains.

This is what happened to my son. He sprained it when he landed on it backwards. After a quick trip to the ER to make sure it wasn’t broken, they put a splint on it. From there, he wore wrist tape to help stabilize it.

How Can You Injure Your Wrist in Soccer?

There are multiple ways that you can injure your wrist while playing any sport. Some common soccer injuries include:

Sprains: A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments that connect the wrist bones are stretched or torn. This can happen when you fall on an outstretched hand or when you twist your wrist forcefully.
Fractures: A wrist fracture is a break in one or more of the bones in the wrist. This can happen when you fall on an outstretched hand or when you collide with another player.
Tendinitis: Wrist tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons that connect the muscles to the bones in the wrist. This can happen when you repeatedly perform the same motion.
Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the wrist and hand

Other Reasons Why Players Tape Their Wrist

Sometimes players tape their wrists not for medical reasons but because of certain soccer regulations. A professional or youth player may tape their wrist for the following reasons:

Covering Tattoos: If a player gets a new tattoo, they should cover it up so it doesn’t get infected.
Hiding jewelry: When a player wants to wear a bracelet, they’ll have to cover it up for the match.
They can write on it: Some players will write something meaningful or a reminder on their taped wrist.

How to Tape Your Wrists for Soccer

Taping your wrists for soccer is pretty straightforward, here’s what to do…

Start by cleaning your wrists with soap and water to remove any dirt or oils that may prevent the tape from sticking.
Cut a piece of athletic tape that is long enough to wrap around your wrist twice.
Place the tape on the back of your wrist, just below your hand, and wrap it around your wrist twice.
Wrap the tape diagonally across your wrist, from the outside to the inside, and then back across your wrist, from the inside to the outside. Repeat this process until you have covered your entire wrist.
Finish by wrapping the tape once more around your wrist, just below your hand, to secure the end of the tape.

Make sure the tape is tight enough to provide support, but not so tight that it restricts your movement or circulation.

Remember to remove the tape carefully after the game to avoid any skin irritation or damage.

There you have it! I hope that helps!