How to Tape a Lacrosse Stick Handle: Complete Guide

Your stick is an extension of your hands. When the tape is right, you don't think about your grip—you think about the play. When it's wrong, every catch, throw, and check feels off.

Taping a lacrosse stick is part personal preference, part science. This guide covers the fundamentals, position-specific tips, and advanced techniques to help you find your perfect setup.

Why Tape Your Lacrosse Stick?

• Grip security — Prevents slipping during passes, shots, and checks
• Moisture management — Absorbs sweat and rain for consistent feel
• Custom diameter — Build up the shaft to fit your hands
• Hand positioning — Creates reference points for consistent hand placement
• Vibration control — Dampens shock from checks and ground balls
• Shaft protection — Extends the life of your stick

Tape Options for Lacrosse

Self-Adhering Tape

Sticks to itself, not the shaft. Easy to apply, adjust, and replace. Breathable and comfortable. Good moisture absorption. The go-to choice for many players.

Athletic/Hockey Tape

Adhesive-backed for permanent application. Very durable. Creates a tackier surface. Harder to remove and leaves residue.

Grip Tape (Textured)

Maximum tackiness. Often cushioned. Changes shaft feel significantly. More expensive.

Basic Taping Technique

What You'll Need

• 1-2 rolls of tape
• Scissors
• Clean shaft

Step-by-Step

1. Clean the shaft — Remove any old tape and residue
2. Start at the bottom — Begin about 2 inches from the butt end
3. Anchor the tape — Wrap straight around twice to secure
4. Angle upward — Hold tape at 30-45° angle as you wrap
5. Overlap consistently — Each wrap should cover half the previous one
6. Maintain tension — Firm but not stretched to breaking point
7. Continue to desired length — Usually 10-14 inches
8. Finish clean — Wrap straight around twice at the top to anchor

Position-Specific Taping

Attackmen

Attackmen need quick hands for dodges, feeds, and shots. Focus on:

• Thinner tape for maximum feel
• Full coverage of the shooting zone (where bottom hand sits during shots)
• Consistent surface for quick hand slides

Midfielders

Middies do everything—they need versatile tape jobs:

• Medium thickness for balance of feel and cushion
• Extended coverage for varied hand positions
• Consider grip markers for quick reference

Defensemen

Defensemen take and deliver heavy checks. Priority is control under stress:

• Thicker tape for cushioning and shaft protection
• Extended coverage (sometimes full shaft for long poles)
• Extra durability—defensive sticks take abuse

Goalies

Goalies need precise control for saves and clears:

• Full coverage is common for maximum grip anywhere
• Consistent texture for quick repositioning
• Often use thicker builds for larger grip area

Advanced Techniques

Grip Markers

Create reference points by adding an extra wrap or small ridge at specific points. This helps hands find the right position without looking.

Knob Building

Build up the butt end to prevent the stick from slipping out during one-handed plays:

1. Start at the very end of the shaft
2. Wrap multiple layers to create a raised knob
3. Taper smoothly into the main tape job

Two-Tone Tape Jobs

Use different colors to mark hand positions or just for style. The bottom hand zone and top hand zone can be different colors for visual reference.

Maintenance and Replacement

Replace your tape when you notice:

• Tape becoming smooth and losing grip
• Unraveling or peeling edges
• Visible wear-through
• Reduced moisture absorption

During the season, most players re-tape every 1-2 weeks depending on practice frequency and playing conditions.

The Bottom Line

Your tape job is personal. Start with the basics, experiment with thickness and coverage, and develop what works for your hands, your position, and your style of play.

When your grip is dialed, you stop thinking about your stick and start dominating the field.