You might have noticed a number of professional footballers wear some sort of strapping on their wrists. Luis Suarez used to strap his hand and wrist whilst playing and always kissed it after scoring. Darwin Nuñez, Rúben Neves and Cristiano Ronaldo have all been spotted with their wrists strapped lately, but why do footballers wear bandages and strapping on their wrists?
Footballers, or soccer players, often tape their wrists for a variety of reasons. Here are a few possible explanations:
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To protect against injury: Wrapping tape around the wrists can provide a bit of extra support and stability, which may help prevent sprains or other injuries. This is especially useful for players who are at risk of falling or colliding with other players, as the wrists are vulnerable to impact.
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To reduce swelling: If a player has suffered an injury to their wrist, taping it up can help reduce swelling by compressing the area. This can be especially useful if the player needs to continue playing or training despite the injury.
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To improve grip: Some players may tape their wrists to improve their grip on the ball. The tape can help create a more secure and comfortable grip, which can be especially useful in wet or slippery conditions.
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To improve their shot: Similarly, some players may tape their wrists in an effort to improve their shot power or accuracy. The tape can help stabilize the wrist and provide a bit of extra support, which may help the player generate more force when striking the ball.
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For superstitious reasons: Finally, some players may tape their wrists simply because they believe it brings them good luck or helps them perform better. In the high-pressure world of professional sports, a bit of superstition can sometimes provide a welcome boost of confidence.
Overall, there are many reasons why footballers tape their wrists, and the specific reason may vary from player to player. Some players may tape their wrists for a combination of the reasons listed above, while others may have their own unique motivations. Regardless of the reason, it is clear that taping the wrists can be a useful tool for many footballers.
Our premium sock wrap can also be used to strap up ankles or wrists too as it's made of an elasticated, bandage-like material that grips to itself - perfect for strapping!