The Complete Guide to Sports Strapping Tapes (And When to Use Each One)
Strapping and taping is a cornerstone of sports physiotherapy. Whether you're working in elite sport or managing your own injuries, choosing the right tape can be the difference between optimal performance and ongoing dysfunction.
At The Club Physio, we use a wide range of taping methods across multiple sports and levels. In this guide, we break down the key differences, applications, and best-use scenarios for all major tape types—using examples from Sporttape, a trusted provider in elite sport.
Why Tape Selection Matters
Not all tapes are created equal. Each type has a specific mechanical property that determines its function:
Rigid vs Elastic
Support vs Facilitation
Skin protection vs joint stability
Short-term performance vs long-term rehab
Understanding these differences ensures:
Better injury prevention
Improved performance output
Reduced skin irritation
More effective rehab outcomes
Types of Sports Strapping Tape
1. Kinesiology Tape (K-Tape)
Overview:
Kinesiology tape is a stretchable, elastic tape designed to mimic the properties of human skin.
Key Features:
120–180% stretch capacity
Breathable and water-resistant
Can be worn for multiple days
Primary Uses:
Muscle facilitation or inhibition
Swelling and lymphatic drainage
Movement cueing and proprioception
Best For:
Hamstring strains
Calf tightness
Post-injury swelling
Shoulder stability (low-load support)
🎥 Watch K-Tape Applications on Our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Kinesiology Taping Techniques)
👉 Shop Sporttape K-Tape:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
2. Rigid Tape (Rayon)
Overview:
Rayon rigid tape is high-strength and non-elastic, designed for maximum joint restriction.
Key Features:
Very strong tensile strength
Minimal conformability
Long-lasting support
Primary Uses:
Acute injury management
Joint immobilisation
High-demand sport situations
Best For:
Ankle sprains (lateral ligament)
Thumb UCL injuries
Patella stabilisation
🎥 Watch Ankle & Thumb Strapping Tutorials:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Rigid Taping Ankle Stability)
👉 Shop Sporttape Rayon Rigid Tape:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
3. Rigid Tape (Cotton)
Overview:
Cotton rigid tape provides firm support with slightly more conformability than rayon.
Key Features:
Strong but more flexible than rayon
Better skin compliance
Easier to apply around contours
Primary Uses:
Functional joint support
Return-to-play strapping
Repeated training sessions
Best For:
Ankles in training
Wrist support
General joint stability
🎥 Watch Functional Strapping for Training:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Ankle Taping for Sport)
👉 Shop Sporttape Cotton Rigid Tape:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
4. Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) – Hand Tearable
Overview:
A stretchable compression tape that can be easily torn by hand.
Key Features:
Elastic with moderate support
Quick application (no scissors needed)
Excellent for dynamic movement
Primary Uses:
Compression and support
Muscle strains
Light joint stability
Best For:
Quadriceps corks
Hamstring support
Shoulder compression
🎥 Watch EAB Application Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: EAB Strapping Techniques)
👉 Shop Sporttape EAB Hand Tearable:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
5. Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB) – Non-Hand Tearable
Overview:
Similar to hand tearable EAB but stronger and more durable, requiring scissors.
Key Features:
Greater tensile strength
More consistent application
Better for prolonged use
Primary Uses:
Game-day strapping
Higher intensity environments
Situations needing sustained compression
Best For:
Contact sports
Match play scenarios
Larger muscle groups
🎥 Watch Game-Day Strapping Setups:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Match Day Taping Prep)
👉 Shop Sporttape EAB Non-Hand Tearable:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
6. Microfoam Tape
Overview:
A soft, stretchable foam underwrap used primarily for skin protection.
Key Features:
Highly compressible
Lightweight
Non-adhesive (or low adhesive)
Primary Uses:
Underwrap for rigid tape
Blister prevention
Reducing skin irritation
Best For:
Sensitive skin
High-friction areas (heel, Achilles)
Pre-taping preparation
🎥 Watch Pre-Taping Preparation Techniques:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Underwrap and Skin Prep)
👉 Shop Sporttape Microfoam:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
7. Fixation Tape
Overview:
A light adhesive tape used to lock in other taping systems.
Key Features:
Thin and flexible
Strong adhesive
Available in multiple widths (e.g. 50mm & 100mm)
Primary Uses:
Securing tape jobs
Preventing lifting with sweat
Protecting sensitive skin areas
Best For:
Locking ankle tape
Securing EAB or K-tape
Final layer in high-performance settings
🎥 Watch How to Lock Off a Tape Job:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio (Search: Fixation Tape Finishing Techniques)
👉 Shop Sporttape Fixation Tape:
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2
How We Use Tape in Elite Sport
Working across elite environments, our approach at The Club Physio is always:
Assess the injury and load demands
Choose the minimum effective support
Layer tapes strategically
eg. Microfoam → Rigid → EAB → Fixation
Prioritise performance, not just protection
The goal isn’t just to restrict movement—it’s to optimise it safely.
Key Takeaways
No single tape does everything
Rigid tapes = stability
Elastic tapes = movement + compression
Microfoam = protection
Fixation tape = durability
Learn From Elite-Level Practitioners
If you want to master strapping and taping:
🎥 Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@theclubphysio
👉 Shop the Full Sporttape Range (Affiliate):
https://ctrk.klclick.com/l/01JSHDQWR65W5398QBXZR47T2E_2