Please be very aware that this information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Finger Taping for Volleyball: Why Players Do It and How to Do It Righ

Volleyball players tape their fingers not only to protect against jams and sprains but also to improve control and prevent skin irritation. This guide dives into the anatomy of finger taping—why it matters, how to use the techniques properly, and which tapes work best for performance and protection.

Why Volleyball Players Tape Their Fingers (Backed by Data)

Injury Overview

Finger injuries account for about 13.4% of all volleyball-related acute injuries, making them the third-most common site after ankles (~31.9%) and knees (~17.4%)
Upper extremity injuries (wrist, hand, shoulder) comprise 20–30% of all volleyball injuries; finger and thumb trauma—including sprains, dislocations, and fractures—are frequently linked to blocking and setting.
In a large-scale youth study (U.S., ages ≤18, 2012–2022), 43% of upper‑extremity volleyball injuries were to the fingers. Of those, 42.6% were sprains/strains, 19.5% were fractures, and among fractures, 57.4% occurred in the fingers

Sources:

finger taping volleyball most common body parts injured

Comparison of Tape Types for Volleyball Finger Support

Tape Type	Use Case	Pros	Cons
Rigid Zinc-Oxide Sports Tape	Buddy taping for injured fingers	Best stability, restricts lateral movement	Stiff; may limit flexion if overwrapped
Elastic Athletic Tape (cloth‑stretch)	Light wraps for grip & friction prevention	Flexible, breathable, suitable for blister prevention	Less support for joint stability
Kinesiology Tape	Performance wraps, mild compression	Provides support while allowing full movement	Adhesion may loosen during long rallies

How to Tape Fingers for Volleyball

1. Buddy Taping (For Injury Support)

Best for mild sprains or jammed fingers.
Place padding (gauze or foam) between injured and adjacent finger.
Wrap both fingers with rigid sports tape above and below the joint, avoiding the knuckle to allow bending. Limits lateral motion while maintaining playability.

2. Protective Wrap (For Performance and Grip)

Favored by setters and hitters to reduce friction.
Begin at the base with kinesiology or light elastic tape.
Spiral snugly upward, ending just below the nail.
Replace tape between sets—sweat reduces adhesion.

Common Questions Answered

What does finger taping do in volleyball?

Finger taping helps stabilize your joints during high-impact plays like blocking and setting. It reduces the risk of sprains and jams by limiting excessive side-to-side motion. Taping also creates a protective layer that helps prevent blisters and friction burns, especially for players who make frequent digs or set the ball repeatedly.

How do you tape fingers for volleyball?

The method depends on your needs. For injury support, buddy taping with rigid sports tape keeps a sprained or jammed finger stable by securing it to a neighboring finger—allowing you to keep playing while limiting strain. For performance or blister prevention, players often use a lighter elastic or kinesiology tape, wrapping it snugly from the base to just below the nail to maintain grip and reduce irritation without restricting movement.

What’s the best type of finger tape?

Rigid zinc-oxide tape is the most reliable option for joint support, making it ideal for buddy taping. For players looking to improve grip or protect against blisters, elastic athletic tape or kinesiology tape works better because it allows full range of motion while still providing light support. Many athletes keep both types in their gear bag to handle different situations.

Need assistance with thumb stability as well? Check out our Thumb Taping Guide for Hyperextension for step-by-step guidance tailored for athletes needing both finger and thumb support.

PILLAR SPORTS NEWSLETTER

Built for Performance. Yours for Less.

Get early access to new drops, product launches, and performance-tested gear.

10% Off on Your Order.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

RELATED BLOGS

Finger Taping for Volleyball: Why Players Do It and How to Do It Righ

Table of Contents