Tips to Prevent Tape to Unravel and Fall off during Training or Competition

 

When it comes to sports tape, one of the most frustrating things that can happen is for the tape to unravel or fall off during training or competition. This not only wastes your tape, but it can also leave you without the added support and protection that you need for your fingers. As a martial artist practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), grappling or judo, you understand the importance of tape for your finger protection and support. In this blog post, we'll give you tips and tricks for preventing your tape from unraveling and falling off during training or competition so you can perform at your best.

 

I. Choose the Right Tape

When it comes to sports tape for BJJ, Grappling, Wrestling, and Judo, there are a few key features to look for to ensure that it will provide the support and protection that you need during training and competition.

Adhesive:
The first and most important feature to look for is a strong adhesive. Look for tapes that have a strong adhesive and that are made with a cloth backing. Some tapes use natural rubber adhesive, while others use synthetic adhesive. Natural rubber adhesives tend to be stronger and more durable, while synthetic adhesives tend to be less expensive but may not be as strong.
Keep in mind that a factor that can affect the adhesive strength of the tape is the environment in which it's used. Tapes that are used in hot and humid conditions may not adhere as well as tapes used in cooler and drier conditions. Similarly, tapes that are exposed to sweat or water may not adhere as well as tapes that are kept dry.
Test the adhesive strength by applying a small amount of tape to your finger and then try to remove it, if it comes off easily then it's not a good fit for you.

Thickness:
A tape with the right thickness will provide a good balance between durability and flexibility. Less flexible Tape may not conform good enough to the shape of your finger, making it less comfortable to use and potentially affecting the grip strength. Additionally, a tape that is too thick may be more prone to bunching, which can make it difficult to move the fingers freely. On the other hand, a tape that is too thin may not provide enough support and protection, making it less effective during training and competition.

Overall Design:
BJJ and Judo tapes, need to be comfortable, flexible and able to conform to the shape of the finger while gripping the Gi. They also need to have a strong adhesive that can withstand the movement and friction of gripping the kimono. Grappling tapes, on the other hand, need to provide a good grip on bare skin, should be flexible and breathable enough to prevent irritation and friction. Additional there are features like breathability, which helps to withstand evaporation and hypoallergenic materials (instead of latex e.g.), which will be biocompatible to almost every athlete.
 

II. Proper Application

Initial Preparations:
Applying tape to your fingers correctly is crucial to ensure that it stays in place during training or competition in BJJ, Grappling, or Judo. First make sure that your fingers are clean and dry before applying the tape. This will help the tape to adhere better and prevent it from unraveling or falling off. 

To ensure that the tape stays in place, it is recommended to apply the tape a few minutes before training or competition, this will give the tape time to adhere to your skin before you start moving. If you wanna put even more strength on top and there is some time to apply the tape at home, you can use a hair dryer to heat up the tape before using it. This will activate the adhesive even more. Remember to keep the heat level low to avoid any discomfort.

While taping:
These are general rules how to handle sports tape. Tutorials for different technics on how to support specific joints, you can check out on our social media channels. its @tapelabco for FB, Insta and TikTok. Check it out!

As you apply the tape keep in mind, tape holds better on tape than on the skin itself. So, it's a good idea to apply an initial layer of tape to the finger and then add some tension with additional layers on top of that. This will create a stronger bond and help the tape to stay in place during training or competition.

When taping the fingers, make sure to apply the tape in a way that allows for proper movement and flexibility, it is important to avoid wrapping the tape too tightly around the finger, as this can restrict movement, cause discomfort and slows down the capillary refill which is important to supply the body with oxygen.

Furthermore the amount of tape used can also affect the tape's ability to stay in place during training or competition. Using too little tape may not provide enough support and protection, while using too much tape can cause bunching and restrict movement.

Check the tape during training or competition: Check the tape during training or competition to make sure it is still in place and make any necessary adjustments.

III. How to remove your tape

Most of you will just pull of the tape quickly but let us show you how to do it the nice way.

1. Start by wetting the tape. This will help to soften the adhesive and make the tape easier to remove.

2. Once the tape is wet, gently peel it off the skin. Start by pulling the tape at a 45-degree angle to the skin, making sure to pull the tape in the direction of hair growth. This will help to minimize the risk of irritation or pain.

3. Use oil or lotion: If the tape is hard to remove, you can use baby oil or lotion to help loosen the adhesive. Apply a small amount of oil or lotion to the area where the tape was applied, and gently massage it in for a few minutes. This will help to break down the adhesive and make the tape easier to remove.

4. Cleanse the skin: Once the tape is removed, cleanse the skin with a mild soap and water. This will help to remove any remaining adhesive and prevent irritation.

5. Moisturize the skin: To avoid dryness, apply a moisturizer to the area where the tape was applied. This will help to rehydrate the skin and prevent irritation.

 

IV. Maintenance

Properly storing and caring for your tape is essential to ensure its longevity. Here are some tips to properly store and care for your tape:

1. Keep the tape in a cool, dry place: Avoid storing your tape in humid or damp areas as this can cause the adhesive to lose its stickiness. Instead, store it in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or cabinet.

2. Keep the tape sealed: After each use, make sure to properly seal the tape. This will help to protect it from dust, dirt and humidity which can affect the adhesive.

3. Keep the tape away from heat: Avoid storing your tape in areas that are exposed to direct sunlight or heat, as this can cause the adhesive to lose its stickiness and weaken the tape's structure.

4. Avoid exposing the tape to liquids: Avoid getting the tape wet or exposing it to any liquids, as this can cause the adhesive to lose its stickiness.

5. To avoid any accidents: keep the tape out of reach of children and pets.

6. Check the tape before using it: Before using tape check the condition and stickiness. It should be discarded and replaced if you are in doubt to avoid a false sense of security.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your tape stays in good condition and lasts as long as possible. To assist you with that check out our storage box here.

 

 V. Conclusion

In conclusion, preventing tape from unraveling and falling off during training or competition is crucial for martial artists practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, grappling or judo. By choosing the right tape, with a strong adhesive, the right thickness, and specific design for the activity you are doing, you can ensure that the tape provides the support and protection you need for your fingers. Proper application, by preparing the fingers, applying the tape with the right technique and giving the tape time to adhere, is also key.

It's important to remember that different types of tape are available and each one has its own unique characteristics. It's worth trying different types of tape to find the one that works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the one that fits your needs.

Keep in mind to store and care for your tape properly, to change the tape regularly and to fix any issues that may arise during use.

Now that you know more about preventing tape from unraveling and falling off during training or competition, take action and visit our product page where we sell tape, try it out and see the difference it can make in your martial arts training or competition.