PFATS: Question & Answer
I would like to know your views on ankle spatting. The majority of our football players do it for looks. I am trying to find ways to eliminate ankle spatting unless needed. Thanks for your help.
Submitted by J. Nelson, Sioux Falls, SD
Spatting, or the technique of applying tape over the shoe to provide added ankle support, is used by football players at all levels of competition. The types of tape and the techniques used to apply it vary greatly, but if done correctly, a spat can help maintain the shoe's position on the foot and ankle. Most football shoes are constructed with quality heel counters and ankle support, but the foot can still roll out of the shoe and expose the ankle to injury.
However, in most cases players request their shoes be spatted for cosmetic reasons only. As a spat only needs to be done if there is a history of an ankle injury, one way to cut back on unnecessary spatting is to require any player who requests a spat to complete a daily ankle rehabilitation program. If a player has a significant problem that is alleviated by spatting, then he should also be working to strengthen his ankle and eliminate the need for the additional taping.
Scott Trulock, MA, ATC, Director of Rehabilitation, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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