Summary
A tape grip is a protective strip made from athletic tape, commonly used by gymnasts, weightlifters, and CrossFitters to shield hand rips during training.
- To make one, cut a strip of tape long enough to cover the palm and extend past the finger where it will be secured.
- Fold the tape lengthwise to form a narrow strip, then create a small loop at one end for a finger to pass through.
- After securing the strip with additional tape to reinforce it, slip the loop over a finger (typically the middle one) and place the strip across the palm.
- Finally, secure the other end around the wrist to hold the grip in place, ensuring it’s snug but not restrictive. Adjust as needed for comfort and effectiveness.
For athletes training hard in gymnastics, weightlifting, or CrossFit, protecting your hands is essential, especially from painful palm rips. A tape grip is a great way to shield your sensitive skin without losing grip. This guide will show you how to easily make a tape grip with just athletic tape and scissors. Follow these simple steps to keep training comfortably and avoid irritation or injury. Let’s get started on creating a durable, secure tape grip to help you perform at your best!
What is a Tape Grip?
A tape grip is a covering made to protect a rip on the palm of the hand while continuing training. I’ve mostly seen gymnasts use tape grips, but weightlifters and CrossFitters could use these to protect their hands as while.
A tape imitation of a normal grip, the tape grip is a strip of tape with one end fastened to the wrist and the other slid over a finger.
Usually, the grip is put over the middle finger, but it can be moved to the ring or pointer finger to better protect a different area of the hand.
How to Make a Tape Grip:
Supplies Needed:
- Athletic Tape
- Pair of Scissors (Optional) – Used to cut the pieces of tape.
Step 1: Measure & Cut A Strip of Tape
- Stretch out a piece of tape from the base of your palm to about two or three inches past the finger you will fasten it to.
- It’s better to go longer than shorter. A long piece of tape can always be adjusted.
Step 2: Fold the Tape Lengthwise
- Fold the tape strip in half lengthwise (hot-dog style)
- This should leave you with a thinner strip of tape, but still the same length
Step 3: Make the Finger Hole
- Bend the ends of the tape together. This should make a ribbon like shape.
- Continue to line up the inside edges down the length of the tape, but leave enough room at the end to form a finger hole.
- The finger hole should be big enough for the finger, but not too big.
Step 4: Tape the Strip Together
- Starting at the base of the finger hole, tape over the border to start securing the grip. You can cut the tape at the end of the strip OR keep the tape roll going.
- Flip the grip over and tape over the border again up to the base of the finger hole.
- Cut the tape off the roll… you now have the main strip of the tape grip completed.
Step 4: Attach to the Finger
- Slide your desired finger through the loop.
- Ideally, the finger hole fits snug, but it is ok if it is a little loose. It should not be too tight.
Step 5: Secure Around the Wrist
- Lay the strip over your palm, with the end extending past your wrist.
- Take a new piece of tape and wrap it around your wrist to secure the strip.
- Wrap it a few times to ensure it stays in place during movement.
Step 6: Test and Adjust
- Flex your hand and fingers to make sure the tape is secure but not restricting movement. Again, it is ok to be slightly loose as long as it stays covering the rip.
- Trim any excess tape if needed.
- If the strip is too long you could also fold it up towards the base of the palm and tape around the wrist again.