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The Complete Guide to Taping Your Fingers for Volleyball Setting

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If you play setter in volleyball, taping your fingers is an essential part of your preparation for each practice and game. Proper taping can help prevent injuries to your fingers while allowing you to perform at your best. As a longtime volleyball coach and former setter myself, I’ve seen firsthand how important taping is. In this article, I’ll go through every step of correctly taping your fingers as a setter and address some of the most common questions players have.

Why Do Setters Tape Their Fingers?

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  1. Protection – The repetitive motion of setting can put a lot of stress on your fingers over time. Taping provides an extra layer of padding to shield your fingers from impact.
  2. Grip – Tape creates friction that helps you maintain a firm hold on the volleyball during tricky sets. This is crucial for controlling ball placement.
  3. Prevent Blisters – Without tape, the constant rubbing of your fingers on the ball could lead to blisters. Taping acts as a buffer to prevent this.

In short, taping fortifies your fingers so they can withstand the demands of setting without injury or discomfort. It allows you to focus fully on your form and technique without worrying about pain or fatigue in your fingers.

What Kind of Tape Should I Use?

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The gold standard for volleyball taping is pre-wrap athletic tape. This softer cloth tape comfortably conforms to the shape of your fingers without being too rigid. Avoid using regular medical tape, which can be too stiff and irritating on your skin over long periods of play. Some setters also like to use kinesiology tape on top of pre-wrap for extra support.

How Do I Tape My Fingers Properly?

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Here are the basic steps:

1. Make sure your fingers and hands are clean and dry before starting. Trim any excess nails or cuticles.

2. Begin with a 1-2 inch piece of pre-wrap tape and wrap it snugly around your finger at the top knuckle, just below the fingernail. Stretch the tape taut as you wrap.

3. Continue wrapping down your finger, pulling the tape tight with each new layer. Make sure the layers overlap by 50% for optimal coverage and stability.

4. At the bottom of your finger, wrap the tape back up and secure it directly above where you started. Cut off any excess tape.

5. Repeat this process for each finger individually, making sure the tape feels tight but not painfully constricting.

6. For extra protection on your thumb and pinky, you can wrap those fingers with two layers of tape instead of one.

7. To finish, rub the taped areas vigorously with your hands to activate the adhesive and make the tape feel more like a second skin.

With practice, you’ll be able to tape your fingers quickly and efficiently before each training session. Proper taping takes some trial and error, so be patient with yourself as you refine your technique. The rewards of injury prevention are well worth it.

How Often Should I Re-Tape My Fingers?

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The standard rule of thumb is to re-tape your fingers once the existing tape starts feeling looser or showing visible signs of wear. But as a guideline:

– Re-tape before every practice if taping daily
– Re-tape every 2-3 practices if training 3-4 times a week
– Re-tape before each game day
– Check tape before warming up and make repairs as needed

It also depends on how intensely you’re using your hands. If you’re lifting weights or doing other supplemental training, the tape may not last as long. Listen to your body and re-tape proactively to avoid any soreness or pain.

Any Tips For a More Comfortable Tape Job?

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A few tricks I’ve learned over the years:

– Use athletic tape designed for high sweat conditions if you have extra damp hands
– Apply a thin layer of sport cream or anti-blister pads under the tape
– Wear padded gloves or braces over the taped areas during breaks
– Slowly build up taping tolerance if you have sensitive skin
– Tape with a light touch if just practicing – go tighter for games
– Trim cuticles and file fingernails smooth before taping

The tape shouldn’t feel painfully binding, but rather like a snug second layer of skin. With some adjustments, you can find a taping method that feels great all session long.

What If My Fingers Still Hurt After Taping?

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On rare occasions, even with proper taping your fingers may ache or feel fatigued. Some potential causes and solutions:

– Blisters forming under the tape – remove tape, drain blisters, apply antiseptic
– Tape applied too tightly – loosen it up slightly on problem areas
– Finger joints inflamed – apply ice pack and take an anti-inflammatory
– Overuse injury – give fingers a rest until pain subsides
– Form/technique issues – see a trainer to check your setting motion

Most finger soreness should subside rapidly once you identify and address the root cause. See a trainer, doctor or therapist if pain persists after a few days of self-care. Their assessment may reveal a more serious underlying injury in need of proper treatment.

Any Final Tips?

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To summarize the key points:

– Use quality pre-wrap athletic tape specifically made for hands and fingers
– Apply tape snugly but not painfully tight, wrapping each finger individually
– Re-tape regularly before practices and before games according to your schedule
– Listen to your body – take breaks or adjustments if taping isn’t feeling right
– Seek medical advice immediately for severe or persistent finger pain

With diligent taping, you’ll develop finger fortitude to take your setting to the next level. Let me know if you have any other questions! Proper taping technique makes a real difference in minimizing injury risks and maximizing your play.

I hope this guide has covered all the questions you may have had as a volleyball setter learning to tape your fingers. Please feel free to contact me directly if you need any clarification or have additional questions down the road. Taking the time to master consistent, effective taping will serve you well throughout your volleyball career.

Finger Taping Techniques for Volleyball Setters

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Finger Tape Placement Benefits
Index finger Top half of finger underneath nail bed Adds stability and protects finger joints from impact
Middle finger Top half of finger underneath nail bed Adds stability and protects finger joints from impact
Ring finger Top half of finger underneath nail bed Adds stability and protects finger joints from impact
Pinky finger Top half of finger underneath nail bed Adds stability and protects finger joints from impact
Palm strip Across palm below fingers Adds support and prevents fingers from flaring during contact

FAQ

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  1. How do I wrap my fingers properly for volleyball?

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    Basically, you need to start by wrapping the fingers on both hands individually before tying them together. Take a roll of athletic tape and wrap it around each finger a couple times so they are tied together but can still bend. The goal is to provide support without restricting movement too much.

  2. Should I wrap my whole hand or just the fingers?

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    Most volleyball setters find it is best to wrap just the fingers and leave the palms and backs of the hands open. This allows for better feel of the ball while still protecting the fingers. You can experiment with wrapping more or less of the hand area to see what gives you the control and comfort you need.

  3. How tightly should I wrap my fingers?

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    The wrapping needs to be snug but not too tight. It should feel secure without cutting off circulation. Try wrapping with moderate tension and check that your fingers are not turning blue or losing sensation after wrapping. You can always add more layers if it feels loose, but go lightly at first until you find the right tightness.

  4. How many layers of tape should I use?

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    Generally, two or three loops around each finger and one loop binding all the fingers together is a good standard amount. Nevertheless, thin or thick tape, along with individual finger sizes, can change how many layers feel right. Experiment with one or two extra loops on some fingers if others need more support. The binding between fingers should be snug but not painful.

  • Will taping decrease my volleyball skills?

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    At first your fingers may feel a bit stiff, so it could take some getting used to. But as long as the taping is not too tight, it likely won’t decrease your skills – if anything, it may help you feel more confident passing and setting heavier balls. Just be sure not to wrap so thickly that your fingers lose dexterity. With practice, you’ll barely notice the taping after a while.

  • How do I prevent my taping from coming undone during a match?

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    To help keep the taping in place throughout long matches or practices, use stretchy athletic tape instead of regular medical tape. The stretchy tape grips skin better without being overly tight. You can also apply rubbing alcohol to clean fingers before wrapping as this helps the tape stick. When finished, wrap a small piece of tape around the binding between fingers for extra security. Check for loosening periodically and retape as needed.

  • How long will my taping last during play?

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    High-quality taping can often last several hours or even an entire match before needing adjustments. However, factors like sweating, ball contact, and rigorous setting motions may cause it to loosen quicker. Bring extra tape to rewrap fingers if needed. Most players check and retighten taping during scheduled timeouts. Remember – safety first. Don’t continue to play if fingers feel unsupported or pain occurs.