How to Sports Tape a Knee (MCL Taping Guide)

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to sports tape a knee for MCL support using rigid tape and EAB.

This technique is commonly used in sports medicine to manage mild sprains and support return-to-play efforts. Whether you’re recovering or protecting against future injury, proper MCL strapping can help stabilize the knee and reduce lateral stress.

Why MCL Strapping Matters

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the most commonly injured structures in the knee, especially in sports involving rapid direction changes or contact. An MCL sprain occurs when the ligament is overstretched or partially torn, leading to pain, swelling, and instability on the inside of the knee.

MCL taping helps by:

• Limiting excessive medial movement
• Supporting the knee during lateral stress
• Offering proprioceptive feedback during dynamic activity

This technique is often used by athletes in rugby, soccer, hockey, skiing, and American football, where quick side-to-side movement is frequent.

📚 For a clinical overview of MCL injuries and recovery strategies, refer to Cleveland Clinic’s guide on MCL tears.

What You’ll Need for MCL Knee Taping

Step-by-Step: MCL Knee Taping Guide

This taping method is designed to support the MCL and limit valgus (inward) stress on the knee joint. The process below uses rigid tape as the base structure and EAB for final reinforcement.

Step 1 – Apply Anchor Strips

• Ensure the skin is clean and dry. Place the knee in a slightly flexed position. Apply anchor strips around the thigh and the lower leg.
• Repeat 2 times with them overlapping half of the previous strip. 

Important: Contract the quads muscle during the taping to allow the muscles to expand during exercise.

Step 2 – Add Support Strips

• Apply support strips on the inside of the knee in crossed shape to provide support to the MCL. 
• Repeat 2-3 times of this application overlapping half of the previous strip. 
• Ensure that the strips have even tension to help avoid the knee sliding. This will also protect the knee from hyper-extension.

Step 3 – Finishing Strips 

• Apply finishing strips the same way as the anchor strips.
• This will help to secure the support strips and stop them from coming off. Again Repeat 2 times for upper and lower leg. 

Step 4 – Figure of 8 Protection (EAB)

• Now that you have followed Steps 1 to 3, it is time to complete the taping process.
• Starting at the top strip, use the EAB to wrap around the anchor, then aim diagonally down across the MCL and around the bottom strip.
• Repeat this process continuously 2-3 times until all rigid tape is covered.

To finish, apply 2 strips of rigid tape to the top and bottom of the knee. This will secure the EAB in place. 

Finishing steps (ESSENTIAL)

1. Check that the taping is not uncomfortable for either yourself or person being strapped.
2. Check that the tape prevents and restricts valgus movement of the knee.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

FAQ: MCL Knee Taping

Shop Knee Tape for MCL Strapping

Pillar Sports carries rigid tape and elastic adhesive bandages trusted by pro teams and athletic trainers.

👉 Shop Knee Taping Gear →

Special thanks to Aurora Physiotherapy for providing expert taping content.
Visit them at www.auroraphysio.com.hk

Products Mentioned on this Blog

USL Adhesive Tape Spray by GripTec

HK$300.00 – HK$500.00

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Non-Tearable EAB

HK$28.00 – HK$38.00

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Rigid Tape

HK$29.00 – HK$52.00

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Lite EAB

HK$18.00 – HK$42.00

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