How to Tape a Lacrosse Stick

Strip the old tape, clean the shaft and wrap a clean spiral grip that lasts, plus the tapes worth using.

Taping your stick the right way can make a real difference in your game. But it's trickier than it looks. Tape too much and your stick gets heavy. Too thin and it wears out fast. That's why so many young players ask how to tape a lacrosse stick.

Some players do a full wrap, while others tape just a small section. Either way, a balanced, consistent tape job is key for better grip and muscle memory. I like to tape my stick in a spiral so both hands fit perfectly.

Here's how to tape a lacrosse stick in a spiral, with some tips and tricks to keep your tape job consistent.

We may receive a commission if you make a purchase through a link on this page at no cost to you. This helps us keep this site free & we appreciate your support!

Overview of the guide to taping a lacrosse stick

• Remove the old tape and clean off the residue
• Tape your lacrosse stick in a spiral
• Why taping your stick matters

Read more: Best lacrosse shafts

Removing the old tape

Getting the old tape off is the messiest part of the job. I used to hate re-taping my stick because the old tape stuck to everything, until I figured out a trick. Don't worry, I won't keep it a secret.

Here's how I take off old tape so it doesn't end up stuck to everything and clean-up stays quick and easy:

• Grab a popsicle stick or any small stick about an inch and a half long.
• Peel one end of the tape off your shaft and stick it to the popsicle stick.
• Start rolling the popsicle stick. It peels the tape off the shaft and wraps it up so you can toss it.

Cleaning the residue

Taking off the old tape leaves your shaft sticky, so the next step is cleaning off that residue.

Mix a little dish soap or hand soap with warm water and a splash of vinegar and wipe down the shaft. Then rinse it with lukewarm water and pat it dry.

That works fine, but I usually reach for Goo Gone or another tape adhesive remover to make the job easier.

Prepare and collect the materials

Before you start taping, make sure you have:

• Lacrosse grip tape (at least 1 inch wide)
• A pair of scissors
• Electrical tape

Tape upFresh grip tape and a new end cap for under $20. All at BattleLax.

Grip tapeStringKing Lacrosse Tape$4.99 at BattleLax Grip tapeMueller Grip Tape$3.99 at BattleLax End capsECD Sliding End Caps$9.99 at BattleLax

Shop all tape at BattleLax

Securing the butt end

Start at the butt end. Overlap the tape and make two or three full wraps around the shaft to lock it down. You might see a few wrinkles at first, and that's okay. If your end cap is cracked or worn, swap in a new one like the ECD Sliding End Caps ($9.99) before you tape.

Next, angle the tape slightly downward and keep steady tension as you wrap. That smooths out the wrinkles. Just don't over-pull the tape, or it'll stretch thin and lose strength.

Read more: Inexpensive lacrosse shafts

Creating a perfect spiral up to 8 to 10 inches

As you keep wrapping, you'll see the tape start to flatten out. Keep it tight and keep the tension steady, building a pattern of an overlapped section followed by a flat section. Make sure the overlaps stay the same width all the way up the shaft.

• Thinner overlap: Lighter but wears out faster.
• Thicker overlap: Heavier but more durable.

I keep my overlap about a third of an inch. It gives you a textured surface that's perfect for your fingers. To get it, follow this three-step process:

1. Pull the tape tight at about 45 degrees.
2. Turn the shaft about half a turn.
3. Line up the overlap.

Coach's note: Tape your stick the same way every time. Your hands learn where the ridges are, and that muscle memory is what lets you find your grip without looking when you're catching a feed with a defender on your hip.

Read more: Best carbon lacrosse shafts

Securing the end

Finish with one or two flat wraps around the shaft, without spiraling, to build a slightly thicker grip spot. Then cut the tape and press the edge down. This is where most people stop, but the end peels off easily and gets annoying in games.

That's why I lock the end down with electrical tape. It's sticky, stretchy, weatherproof and more durable than athletic tape. Here's how:

• Wrap the electrical tape half on the tape end and half on the bare shaft, stretching it tight.
• Go around twice and press it down.

Best athletic tapes for lacrosse sticks

Indigenous players originally wrapped their sticks with rawhide or leather strips. As the game grew, players switched to athletic tape for better grip, and today there are tapes made just for lacrosse that you can grab at any lacrosse shop.

Here are the tried-and-tested tapes I use and recommend.

Trainers Athletic Tape / Lacrosse Grip Tape

Trainers athletic tape is made of durable poly-cotton with zinc oxide adhesive. I use it because it sticks really well, so it doesn't wear off quickly.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry this one. For a grip tape you can grab there, try the Mueller Grip Tape ($3.99).

Lizard Skins DSP V2 Lacrosse Grip Tape

It's a textured, slip-resistant tape with strong adhesion, which makes it one of the longest-lasting tapes for adding grip to your shaft.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry this one. For a grip tape you can grab there, try the StringKing Lacrosse Tape ($4.99).

StringKing Pre-Cut Lacrosse Shaft Grip Tape

StringKing's pre-cut tape has a rough texture but protects your palms from blisters after a rough game. It sticks well to the shaft and leaves very little residue.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax carries StringKing's StringKing Lacrosse Tape ($4.99).

VukGripz Lacrosse Stick Grip Tape

VukGripz is a thicker tape for players who like a beefier wrap. Even though it's thick, it doesn't make your shaft heavy, and it wraps with balanced tension.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry this one. For a grip tape you can grab there, try the StringKing Lacrosse Tape ($4.99).

Lizard Skins CAMO DSP V2 Lacrosse Grip Tape

Lizard Skins also makes a camo tape if you want to add some style to your shaft. It's dense, sticks well for a long time, and the slip-resistant material keeps your grip strong.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry this one. For a grip tape you can grab there, try the StringKing Lacrosse Tape ($4.99).

SportStop Hockey-Style USA Flag Grip Tape

This is a patterned cloth hockey-style tape that adds grip and protection to your stick. The textured, anti-slip surface gives you a secure grip and better stick handling.

BattleLax pick: BattleLax doesn't carry this one. For a grip tape you can grab there, try the Mueller Grip Tape ($3.99).

Importance of taping a lacrosse stick

Taping your stick isn't just tradition. It makes a real difference in how your stick plays. Here are the benefits.

A good tape job is cheap. A stick that slips out of your hands on a hard shot is not.

People also ask

That's it. Now you know how to tape a lacrosse stick. Give it a try, and you'll feel the difference in your stick handling, grip and control.