Shoulder Taping Guide for Footy, Netball & Contact Sport

Stability Taping from Geelong Sports Physio Experts

Jess McDonald

Sports Physiotherapist – MOVE Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates Geelong

Shoulder injuries are one of the most common issues we see in contact sports across Geelong — especially in footy, netball, basketball, cricket and surf sports. If you’ve had a shoulder dislocation, subluxation, AC joint sprain or ongoing instability, you know how vulnerable the joint can feel during tackling, overhead movement, landing or reaching.

At MOVE Sports Physiotherapy Geelong, we tape hundreds of shoulders every season. Taping won’t replace proper rehab, but for many athletes it provides:

• additional stability

• a sense of confidence

• reduced apprehension

• protection during contact

• improved awareness of shoulder positioning

Below is a step-by-step taping guide, designed by our sports physio team, for athletes wanting extra support during training or game day.

This is educational only — if you have a history of dislocation or instability, a structured Sports Physio assessment is essential.

Who This Shoulder Taping Method Helps

This taping technique is ideal for athletes with:

• recurrent shoulder dislocations

• a history of subluxation episodes

• anterior shoulder instability

• AC joint sprains (classic footy injury)

• hypermobility in the shoulder

• “dead arm,” weakness or apprehension

• instability during tackling, overhead movements or landing

If you’re playing AFL, VFL, GFL, netball, basketball, rugby or cricket, this taping method can improve performance and protect the joint under load.

Why Shoulder Taping Works in Sport

As a Geelong Sports Physio, we use taping to:

• provide external stability to the glenohumeral joint

• reduce the risk of excessive anterior translation (most common dislocation direction)

• support irritated AC joints after collisions

• improve proprioception during high-speed movement

• reduce the feeling of instability when the arm moves overhead or behind the body

Taping is especially useful in footy due to:

• high-speed collisions

• overhead marking

• tackles from multiple directions

• unpredictability of play

• fatigue-related instability later in the game

Step-by-Step Shoulder Taping Guide

for Footy & Sport

Step 1: Prepare the Skin and Apply Fixomull (Fixie)

Apply a Fixie base layer across the upper back, chest and top of the arm. This protects the skin, improves comfort and helps the tape stay in place during sweat and contact.

Position: Have the athlete place their hand on their hip. This opens the anterior shoulder and improves alignment.

Step 2: Apply the Anchor Strips

Chest and upper back anchors: Lay long, flat strips without excessive tension. These provide the foundation for all stability strips.

Upper arm anchor: Apply with the athlete flexing their arm to avoid excessive compression.

Anchors ensure the shoulder tape holds under bumps, tackles and long game time.

Step 3: AC Joint Support (Essential for Footy)

Diagonal strips for AC joint unloading: Start from the humerus and pull upward toward the AC joint with firm tension. Apply two strips in each direction, crossing over the joint.

Optional: Add a padded donut of Luka foam for tender AC joints.

Step 4: Taping for Anterior Shoulder Instability

Anterior support strip: Place low at the front of the shoulder and pull across the anterior joint toward the anchor.

Repeat: Use at least two strong-tension strips for support and proprioceptive feedback.

This is the key taping method for athletes returning after a dislocation or subluxation.

Most shoulder dislocations in sport occur anteriorly, especially when the arm is:

• abducted

• externally rotated

• pushed backward

These strips reduce the risk of entering that unstable position.

Step 5: Global Stability Strips

Reinforce the joint by layering strips:

• front to back

• back to front

• diagonally across the joint

These enhance stability without excessively restricting movement.

Vertical strips are added last to cover gaps and improve structural integrity.

Step 6: Optional Overwrap for Footy

Elastic Adhesive Bandage (EAB): Apply lightly with the pinch-and-pull method. Avoid tight wrapping around the upper arm.

Lock in with rigid tape to secure the overwrap at key anchor points.

Footy players often need additional protection due to:

• sweat

• contact

• jumper grabbing

• long game duration

Step 7: Check Fit, Feel and Function

Have the athlete move through:

• overhead reach

• behind-the-back movement

• marking motions

• tackling or resistance tests

The tape should feel supportive but not restrictive. If needed, adjust tension or add stability strips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrCaaYgq3Ss

When Athletes Should Use Shoulder Taping

Taping is valuable during:

• early return-to-play phases

• weeks of high training volume

• contact sports like AFL, VFL, GFL, rugby, netball and basketball

• overhead sports

• fatigue-related instability

It is particularly helpful during the transition from pain → strength → full sport.

When You Need More Than Just Tape

Taping is not a long-term solution. If your shoulder frequently:

• slips

• feels unstable

• dislocates

• aches after contact

• “drops” during overhead movement

…then you need a Sports Physiotherapy assessment.

At MOVE, our Geelong sports physios specialise in:

• recurrent shoulder dislocation

• AC joint injuries

• hypermobility

• rotator cuff weakness

• instability in contact athletes

• return-to-sport rehab

• shoulder-specific strength programs

• Clinical Pilates and stability training

We’ll guide you through a structured, evidence-based pathway so you don’t rely on tape forever.

Need Shoulder Taping or Injury Support from a Geelong Sports Physio?

If you want effective shoulder taping for sport or expert help managing ongoing instability, our team is here to support you.

Book a Sports Physio Assessment at MOVE Geelong and get a personalised plan for stability, strength and confident return to play.

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