Our page Wrist and Finger Protectors brings together our tips for protecting volleyball players' hands: straps and tape for fingers, thumb guards, wrist supports, and sweatbands, to block, set, and spike without straining fingers or hurting wrists.
Strong hands, for blocking and setting.
In volleyball, hands are on the front line. During a block, they take on powerful attacks from the opponents; during a set, the fingers touch the ball hundreds of times per session. Finger sprains, especially of the thumb, are among the most common injuries in this sport. The wrists are also engaged during digs and attacks. A few simple protections can reduce these risks.
Volleyball protections also come in:
All protections can be found on the protections page.
The tape, a rigid adhesive strip, is the go-to protection for fingers. It is wrapped around two adjacent fingers to stabilise them: the healthy finger supports the weakened one. For the thumb, a figure-eight bandage around the wrist is done to limit its spreading. Many blockers tape their fingers as a precaution before each match. The tape is applied to clean, dry skin, without tightening to the point of cutting off circulation.
A wrist support, made of neoprene or elastic fabric, supports the joint after a sprain or in case of weakness. A sweat wristband absorbs sweat that runs down to the hands and could make the ball slippery. After a knock to a finger, apply ice immediately and see a professional if pain persists or if the finger deforms: sometimes a fracture goes unnoticed. Strengthen your fingers and wrists with regular exercises.
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The most common technique is to stabilise the injured finger with its neighbour, using two strips of tape on either side of the affected joint. The healthy finger acts as a splint and limits painful movements when blocking.
A narrow tape, around two centimetres wide, easily wraps around the phalanges without hindering flexibility. Choose a rigid cotton tape for stabilising a joint, and an elastic tape to protect the skin.
The thumb is often hit while blocking, when a ball struck at full power pushes it back. A thumb protector or a figure-eight strap around the wrist limits this excessive opening, especially after an initial sprain.
It stabilises the joint during digs and attacks, and relieves weak or recovering wrists. It should provide support without cutting off circulation: the hand should be able to move freely.
Remove it after each session to let the skin breathe and check the joint. The tape loosens with sweat and quickly loses its effectiveness, and any persistent pain should be shown to a healthcare professional.