Beginner sports taping course

Lesson 1 • Types of Sports Tape

Introduces rigid, elastic, cohesive, and kinesiology tape properties. Students match tape type to clinical purpose based on stretch, adhesion, and support level.

Lesson 2 • Anatomy Relevant to Taping

Covers bones, ligaments, tendons, and muscles at common taping sites. Builds the anatomical vocabulary needed for all subsequent taping decisions.

Lesson 3 • Taping Equipment and Supplies

Identifies scissors, pre-wrap, skin adherent, and removal tools. Proper equipment selection reduces skin damage and improves tape application efficiency.

Lesson 4 • Safety, Contraindications, and Hygiene

Defines when taping is unsafe due to skin conditions, circulation issues, or allergies. Hygiene protocols prevent infection and ensure patient safety.

Lesson 1 • Assessing Skin Before Taping

Teaches inspection for wounds, rashes, hair density, and moisture. Accurate assessment determines whether taping proceeds and which prep steps are required.

Lesson 2 • Cleaning and Shaving the Skin

Covers alcohol wipe technique, shaving direction, and drying time. Clean, dry skin maximizes tape adhesion and minimizes folliculitis risk.

Lesson 3 • Applying Pre-Wrap and Skin Adherent

Demonstrates layering pre-wrap smoothly and applying skin adherent spray evenly. Correct layering prevents blisters and improves tape longevity.

Lesson 1 • Ankle Anatomy and Injury Mechanisms

Reviews lateral and medial ankle ligaments and common sprain mechanisms. This context drives strip placement decisions throughout the chapter.

Lesson 2 • Evaluating and Troubleshooting Ankle Tape

Assesses range-of-motion restriction, pressure points, and tape gaps. Students correct common errors such as wrinkles, gaps, and excessive compression.

Lesson 3 • Heel-Lock and Closing Strips

Adds heel-lock figure-eight strips and closing tape to complete the job. Heel locks prevent calcaneal eversion and secure the basketweave in place.

Lesson 4 • Closed Basketweave Application

Teaches alternating stirrup and horseshoe strips to build lateral support. The basketweave pattern is the foundation of standard preventive ankle taping.

Lesson 1 • Knee Anatomy and Common Injuries

Reviews patella, MCL, LCL, and patellar tendon structures relevant to taping. Injury mechanism knowledge guides strip direction and tension choices.

Lesson 2 • Patellar Taping for Pain Relief

Teaches McConnell-style medial glide taping to reduce patellofemoral pain. Students apply and assess patellar position change after taping.

Lesson 3 • Collateral Ligament Support Taping

Applies X-strip and fan techniques to support the MCL or LCL after sprain. Correct strip angles limit valgus or varus stress without blocking flexion.

Lesson 4 • Hyperextension Restriction Taping

Uses posterior check-rein strips to prevent knee hyperextension during activity. Students set appropriate flexion limits for different sport demands.

Lesson 1 • Gamekeeper's Thumb Taping

Protects the thumb UCL with spica taping to limit abduction stress. Students practice the spica loop and confirm opposition movement is preserved.

Lesson 2 • Wrist Sprain Taping

Applies anchor, fan, and closing strips to limit painful wrist extension or flexion. Students adjust restriction level based on sport and injury severity.

Lesson 3 • Wrist Instability Taping

Uses figure-eight and X-strip patterns to stabilize hypermobile wrist joints. Technique balances support with sufficient grip and wrist mobility for sport.

Lesson 1 • Shoulder Instability Taping

Applies anterior inhibition strips to reduce anterior glenohumeral translation. Technique supplements rehabilitation and is not a substitute for surgical management.

Lesson 2 • AC Joint Sprain Taping

Uses donut pad and compression strips to offload the AC joint after sprain. Students grade the injury and select appropriate padding thickness and strip tension.

Lesson 3 • Shoulder and Elbow Anatomy for Taping

Reviews AC joint, glenohumeral capsule, UCL of elbow, and relevant musculature. Anatomical context determines anchor sites and strip directions for each technique.

Lesson 4 • Elbow UCL Support Taping

Covers medial elbow taping to reduce valgus stress on the UCL during throwing. Students apply and assess comfort and grip strength after application.

Lesson 1 • Kinesiology Tape Theory and Evidence

Explains proposed mechanisms including skin lift, proprioception, and pain gate effects. Students critically evaluate evidence to set realistic expectations for outcomes.

Lesson 2 • Tension Levels and Application Direction

Defines zero, light, moderate, and full tension and when each is appropriate. Application direction relative to muscle origin and insertion determines the clinical effect.

Lesson 3 • Muscle Facilitation and Inhibition Taping

Applies kinesiology tape to facilitate weak muscles and inhibit overactive ones. Students practice quadriceps facilitation and upper trapezius inhibition techniques.

Lesson 4 • Lymphatic and Edema Taping

Uses fan-cut strips to create skin convolutions that promote lymphatic drainage. Students apply ankle and knee edema techniques and monitor swelling response.

Lesson 1 • Peer Assessment and Feedback

Introduces structured peer-review checklists for evaluating tape jobs. Giving and receiving specific feedback accelerates skill refinement for both parties.

Lesson 2 • Speed and Efficiency in Taping

Develops taping speed through timed drills without sacrificing technique quality. Efficiency is essential in game-day and sideline environments with multiple athletes.

Lesson 3 • Scenario-Based Taping Practice

Simulates sideline, clinic, and pre-game scenarios requiring rapid technique selection. Students practice decision-making under time pressure with realistic case presentations.

Lesson 4 • Self-Evaluation and Skill Certification

Guides students through self-video review and competency checklist completion. Structured self-evaluation builds metacognitive awareness and readiness for certification.