Closed Basket Weave Ankle Taping

In pairs, students learn a preventive closed basket weave ankle tape job with anchors, stirrups, figure eights and closing strips. They practice correct foot position, proper tape tension and checking circulation once the job is done.

How to play

1. Demo (4 min): the teacher tapes an ankle step by step with the foot at 90 degrees.
2. In pairs, one student sits on a bench with the foot hanging off while the partner applies only pre-wrap and anchors (4 min); check, then switch roles.
3. Round two (6 min): each pair adds the U-shaped stirrups, inside to outside, overlapping each strip by half its width.
4. Round three (6 min): pairs finish the figure eights and closing strips; the taped student walks ten steps and does three small hops to feel for pinching or loosening.
5. Check (3 min): the partner presses a toenail and counts whether the color returns within two seconds, and asks about tingling.
6. Removal and debrief (2 min): cut the tape with blunt-tip scissors on the side away from the ankle bone and share the most common mistakes.

Rules

• Keep the foot at 90 degrees for the whole tape job.
• Never tape over a cut, irritated skin or an injury nobody has assessed.
• If tingling, coldness or pain shows up, remove the tape right away.
• Use blunt-tip scissors only, always cutting on the outside of the ankle.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student can be the taper from a wheelchair, with the partner's foot resting on a bench at a comfortable height.
• Shy or touch-averse students: allow practice on their own ankle or on a chair leg.
• Advanced students: review other pairs' tension.

Learning goals

• Apply a preventive ankle tape job in the correct order.
• Check distal circulation after any taping or wrapping.
• Recognize when preventive taping is appropriate and when it is not.

Equipment for a class of 25

• athletic tape (1.5 in rolls): 13
• pre-wrap: 13
• blunt-tip scissors: 6

Teacher tip

The most common mistake is pulling the anchors too tight and letting the foot point; remind students that tape supports, it doesn't strangle. Pre-cut strips ahead of time to save class time.

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