How to tape a stick.

Pick your position. Each tutorial takes you through the blade and the handle step by step, on a 3D stick you can turn all the way round.

A forward's stick taped the way this tutorial shows, rendered in 3D. Forward 9 steps · about 6 minutes · black blade, white simple knob A defence's stick taped the way this tutorial shows, rendered in 3D. Defence 9 steps · about 10 minutes · white blade, white ladder knob A goalie's stick taped the way this tutorial shows, rendered in 3D. Goalie 9 steps · about 15 minutes · white blade, big goalie knob

The basics, for any position

  1. Start clean

    Old tape, adhesive and moisture all stop new tape from gripping. Strip the blade and dry it first.

  2. Heel to toe is the default

    Anchor at the heel and spiral toward the toe. Toe to heel works too; the overlap edges just face the other way.

  3. Overlap sets the feel

    Less overlap is thinner and gives more puck feel. More overlap cushions hard passes and lasts longer.

  4. Keep tension

    Steady pull on the roll lays the tape flat. Bubbles and creases catch ice and peel early.

  5. Trim and press

    Cut the extra off the bottom edge and toe, then press every edge down.

  6. Wax for wet ice

    Rubbing wax into cloth tape keeps water out, so the blade stays light and the tape lasts longer.

Make it yours.

Every common blade and knob style, or design your own tape job in 3D.

See every style Open the Tape Lab