How to tape shin guards in bandy 2026

Summary: This article explains exactly how to tape your shin guards for bandy so they stay in place through an entire match, step by step from preparation to checks during play. It is written for players, parents, and coaches who want to get it right from the start instead of adjusting the shin guards multiple times per period. The reader gets a concrete, practical guide that can be followed immediately the next time the equipment needs to be taped.

It happens in almost every locker room before a bandy match: a player pulls on their shin guards at the last minute, lazily applies two quick wraps of tape, and rushes out onto the ice – and after just ten minutes of play on the large bandy surface, the guard starts to slide down. Taping shin guards correctly for bandy is not complicated, but there is an order and technique that makes the difference between a guard that stays in place all match and one that requires constant adjustments. We often see that younger players have never been shown the technique properly, but just repeat what they have seen others do without understanding why each step matters. This is particularly relevant in bandy, where the large surface and long strides mean that a slippage can become a recurring problem before the period is even over. In this article, we go through exactly how to tape your shin guards step by step, from preparation to a quick check you can do during the period break.

Step 1 – Prepare the sock and shin guard before you start

Jumping straight into taping without preparation is the most common reason the tape doesn't stick as it should. A sock that is damp, dirty, or full of old tape residue provides poorer adhesion regardless of how good the tape itself is. Ensure that the sock sits evenly and without wrinkles under the shin guard before you start, as wrinkles under the taping create pressure points that feel uncomfortable after just a few minutes of play on the bandy court. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and make sure the roll is easily accessible before you place the shin guard, so you don't have to look for materials in the middle of taping with the guard already positioned. In practice: pull the sock up properly and smooth it out before the shin guard is applied, and check that the shin guard is centered over the shin before the first layer of tape is applied.

Step 2 – Wrap the first few layers just below the knee

The first attachment point is crucial, as this is where the shin guard starts to slide if the taping isn't right. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and wrap two to three layers just below the knee, using even and moderate pressure throughout the wrap rather than pulling hardest at the beginning and weaker toward the end. You achieve this particularly well with Shin Guard Tape PRO by wrapping in the same direction the whole way without changing direction halfway, as a change in direction creates a weak point where the tape frays more easily after a few training sessions. We often see players pull too tight in an attempt to compensate for poor technique, which instead restricts movement in the knee fold without actually solving the slippage problem. In practice: try bending your leg slightly after each wrap to ensure the tension feels just right – tight enough to hold, loose enough to move naturally during the long strides that bandy requires.

Step 3 – Secure at the ankle where the slipping usually starts

The second critical point is at the ankle, where the shin guard meets the skate and where most slippage problems actually occur during a match. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO to apply another wrap around the ankle area, with the same even pressure as at the knee. We often see players skip this step entirely and only tape at the knee, which means the shin guard can still migrate downward even if the upper attachment point is perfect. In practice: check that the tape at the ankle isn't so tight that it rubs against the edge of the skate when you bend your foot, as this would create a new discomfort instead of solving the original problem. If budget is key, Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape works with the same technique, although you may need to re-tape slightly more often during a season.

Step 4 – Check the result before going out on the ice

The final step is the check that most players skip, despite it taking less than a minute and being able to prevent the need to adjust your shin guards in the middle of a challenge against the boards. Perform some quick changes of direction and fully bend your leg to test if the shin guard moves noticeably – if it does before you have even stepped onto the ice, it is guaranteed to move even more under physical strain on the large surface. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO for quick post-adjustments if the test shows that something isn't sitting right, and keep an extra roll in your equipment bag for the same check during the period break. In practice: make this check a set routine every time, not just when you feel unsure about the taping, so the habit is built without taking extra time from your usual preparation.

Frequently asked questions

How many wraps of tape do I need around each attachment point?
Two to three wraps just below the knee and one wrap at the ankle are normally enough for most bandy players. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and adjust the number of wraps slightly depending on how actively you move in your position – players with many challenges against the boards might need an extra wrap at the lower edge of the ankle. Test the range of motion after each wrap rather than applying everything at once.

Why do the shin guards slide even though I taped at the knee?
The most common reason is that the ankle area was completely forgotten, which leaves the lower part of the shin guard without support even if the upper attachment point is perfect. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and always add a wrap at the ankle as a fixed part of your routine, not just at the knee. Check both points every time, especially after washing the socks.

How tight should I pull the tape without limiting mobility?
Aim for even, moderate pressure throughout the wrap rather than pulling hardest at the beginning. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and test by bending your leg immediately after each wrap – if mobility feels restricted or if you feel pressure against your circulation, it is too tight. Re-adjust before moving on to the next attachment point.

Can I use the same technique with a budget option like Advance AT7?
Yes, Advance AT7 Shin Guard Tape works with exactly the same taping technique as Shin Guard Tape PRO. The difference is mainly noticeable in how often you need to re-tape during a week, rather than the technique itself. Follow the same steps regardless of which product you choose.

How often should I check the taping during a match?
Do a quick check during each period break, especially after a physical period with many challenges against the boards. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO to quickly fix any gaps, and keep an extra roll in your equipment bag so you don't have to look for materials in the middle of the break.

Does it matter if the sock is damp when I tape the shin guards?
Yes, a damp or dirty sock provides poorer adhesion regardless of how good the tape itself is. Ensure that the sock is clean and dry before applying Shin Guard Tape PRO, and avoid taping immediately after a previous match without having changed or dried the sock. It only takes an extra minute but makes a big difference for how long the taping lasts.

Why should I wrap in the same direction all the way instead of changing direction?
A change in direction in the middle of the wrap creates a weak point where the tape frays more easily after just a few training sessions. Use Shin Guard Tape PRO and keep the same wrapping direction throughout the entire wrap for a smoother, more durable surface.

How do I know if I need to change the tape completely instead of just re-taping?
If the tape has already begun to fray, peel, or feel worn before you have even put on the shin guards, it is better to remove it completely and start over with a clean sock and new tape. Use a fresh roll of Shin Guard Tape PRO rather than building new layers on top of already worn tape, as it rarely sticks as well.