Why Do Hockey Players Tape Their Legs?

In the fast-paced and physically demanding sport of hockey, athletes are known for their rigorous preparation and dedication to enhancing their performance on the ice. Among the various rituals and techniques employed by these athletes, one peculiar practice that has caught the attention of fans and enthusiasts alike is the taping of legs.

Why do hockey players tape their legs?

Hockey players tape their legs to keep their shin pads secure. Some players feel that the velcro straps that come standard on shin pads are often not tight enough, or secure enough, for their liking.

What is Hockey Sock Tape Called?

Hockey sock tape is most commonly referred to as “clear”. You will often hear hockey players in locker rooms asking, “anybody got clear?”

Why Do Hockey Players Tape Their Legs?

Hockey players tape their legs for two main reasons:

1. To keep shin pads secure
2. To keep socks secure

The majority of players use sock tape to keep their shin pads secure. Some players feel that the velcro straps that come standard on shin pads are not tight enough, or secure enough, for them.

The velcro on shin pads has the tendency to wear out after years of use – for these players, it’s less of a preference, and more of a necessity to use sock tape. Without sock tape the shin pads can end up sliding around in the middle of game.

Using tape on your legs also has the added benefit of customizing the areas of tightness within the shin pad. If you like your shin pads to be tighter towards the knee, then you can tape it tighter there. And if you want your shin pads to be tighter towards your feet, you can tape it tighter there.

Some hockey players tape their legs for not only to keep their shin pads tight, but also to keep their socks in place. Similar to the velcro wearing out on shin pads, the velcro on socks also have a tendency to wear out after years of use. For players with faulty sock velcro the tape is necessary for keeping their socks from falling down.

Interesting note: There was a period of time when hockey players didn’t tape their legs, because they weren’t even wearing socks.

I’ve only used clear tape on my legs once – I hated it. I felt like my legs were being strangled.

I wore the tape only for warmups then quickly ripped it off before my game.

I probably fall into the minority of hockey players, but I like my shin pads to be a little looser.

How Do Hockey Players Tape Their Legs?

There many different ways that hockey players tape their legs but the most common is 1.5~2 wraps around the upper shin pad, over the socks and 1.5~2 wraps around the lower shin pad, over the socks So, most players will have a ring of tape on their upper shin and a ring of tape on their lower shin.

Hockey players will also sometimes put a ring of tape around their upper thigh – over the socks – to keep their socks from falling down.

Some hockey players their legs and their arms, putting tape over the wrist-end of their elbow pads. Most players will only do this if they have faulty velcro on their elbow pads.

How Should Hockey Shin Pads Fit?

Properly fitting shin pads are crucial for comfort, mobility, and protection while playing hockey. Here are some guidelines on how hockey shin pads should fit:

1. Length
   • The shin pad should cover the entire length of your shin, from just below the knee to the top of the skate tongue. It should provide adequate protection to the front and sides of your lower leg, including the ankle area.
2. Knee Coverage
   • The shin pad should extend enough to cover the top of your knee cap when your knee is bent. This ensures that your knee is adequately protected from impacts and collisions.
3. Straps and Calf Wrap
   • Most shin pads have straps or Velcro closures to secure them in place. The straps should be snug but not overly tight, allowing for comfortable movement. The calf wrap should provide a secure fit around your calf to prevent the shin pad from shifting during play.
4. Range of Motion
   • Test the flexibility and range of motion in your knees while wearing the shin pads. You should be able to comfortably move your legs, bend your knees, and skate without restrictions. If the shin pads restrict your movement, consider trying a different size or model.
5. Comfort
   • The shin pads should feel comfortable and not cause any excessive pressure points or discomfort. Look for shin pads with adequate padding on the interior for cushioning and impact absorption.
6. Sock Compatibility
   • Shin pads are typically worn over hockey socks. Make sure your shin pads can accommodate your socks without causing discomfort or interference with their fit.

Remember that personal preference can vary, so it’s important to try on different sizes and models to find the shin pads that best suit your needs and preferences. Properly fitting shin pads will provide the necessary protection without hindering your performance on the ice.

Cooperalls – An Extinct Piece of Equipment

Cooperalls were a type of hockey pants or trousers that were introduced in the late 1970s and gained popularity in the early 1980s. They were designed by the Cooper company, hence the name “Cooperalls.” Unlike traditional hockey pants that extended to the player’s waist, Cooperalls were a full-length pant that covered the player’s entire lower body, including the legs.

The purpose of Cooperalls was to provide players with improved mobility and a streamlined fit. The pants were made of a lightweight, stretchy material that allowed for greater freedom of movement on the ice. They eliminated the need for separate shin guards, as the pants provided coverage for the entire leg.

Cooperalls were controversial in the hockey world due to concerns over player safety. Traditional hockey pants had a built-in feature where the exterior material would slide against the ice during a fall, reducing the risk of leg injuries. However, with Cooperalls, the smooth fabric of the pants could cause the player to slide uncontrollably on the ice, increasing the risk of leg and knee injuries. Additionally, some argued that the snug fit of Cooperalls could hinder circulation and restrict movement, potentially leading to muscle strains or other discomfort.

After a few seasons of use, the National Hockey League (NHL) and other professional leagues banned Cooperalls in the mid-1980s due to safety concerns. The ban stemmed from incidents and injuries involving players sliding into the boards or colliding with opponents