Helena Frye
Stickum is the trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. It is used to improve grip and is popular among basketball players, weightlifters, golfers, and baseball players. The substance is applied to the hands to improve grip and ball control. While Stickum is no longer allowed in the NFL, it is still widely used in other sports, with vendors promoting its use for various athletic applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Brand | Mueller Sports Medicine |
| Forms | Powder, paste, and aerosol spray |
| Use | To improve grip and keep hands dry |
| Application | Easy to apply and wash off |
| Activation | Heat-activated |
| Banned | In 1981 by the NFL |
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What You'll Learn
Stickum's history in basketball
Stickum is a trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. The spray form is said to improve grip "even in wet conditions", and is recommended for use on bat handles and vaulting poles. Athletes in a variety of sports have used Stickum, including football, basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, and pole vaulting.
In basketball, Stickum is used to improve dribbling and shooting, particularly in dry conditions when the ball lacks moisture. It is also used to keep hands dry and improve grip. While Stickum is not explicitly banned in the NBA rulebook, its use is controversial. In 2016, Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard was caught using Stickum on his hands after an opponent felt the residue on the ball. Howard admitted to using the substance and claimed that it was commonly used by other players.
The use of Stickum in sports is not a new phenomenon. In the NFL, it was famously used by Oakland Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes, who sprayed the substance on his hands, arms, and uniform. Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice also admitted to using Stickum throughout his career, and claimed that it was widely used by other players. As a result of Hayes' frequent use of Stickum, the NFL banned the use of adhesives in 1981, and the ruling became known as the "Lester Hayes Rule".
Despite the ban, players in both the NFL and NBA have continued to use sticky substances to improve their grip. In the NFL, "sticky gloves" with rubbery surfaces are allowed, and in the NBA, there is no explicit ban on sticky substances. However, the use of Stickum and similar products remains controversial, with some questioning the legitimacy of achievements made by players who have used them.
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Stickum's powder, paste and spray forms
Stickum is a trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. It is a substance that adheres or causes adhesion and is used to improve grip. The spray form, for instance, helps improve grip "even in wet conditions".
The powder form of Stickum is available in a 1.25 oz shaker for faster application. It is easy to use and helps keep hands dry. It is heat-activated and combines with the warmth of the user's hand to activate tackiness. It is also easy to wash off. The powder form is useful for basketball, football, golfing, tennis, baseball, pole vaulting, and other activities where an improved hold is desired. It can also be used to dust the handles of sports equipment.
The paste form of Stickum is likely to be similar to the powder form in terms of function and application. It can be applied to the hands or sports equipment to improve grip.
The spray form of Stickum is ideal for hydrophobic users as it repels water and prevents the product from wearing out. It provides maximum grip in wet, hot, sweaty, and humid conditions. The spray form is likely to be the most convenient and quickest to apply out of the three forms.
While Stickum can improve grip and performance in basketball and other sports, it is important to note that its use is controversial and may be banned in certain leagues or competitions. For example, in the National Football League, the use of adhesives like Stickum was banned in 1981, resulting in the "Lester Hayes rule". Dwight Howard, a Houston Rockets center in the National Basketball Association, was also caught using Stickum in a game in 2016.
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Stickum's use by basketball players
Stickum is the trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, a company based in Wisconsin, United States. It is available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. The spray form, in particular, is marketed as a product that can improve grip "even in wet conditions".
Stickum has been used by athletes in a variety of sports, including basketball, to improve their grip. In basketball, Stickum can be applied to the hands to enhance ball control and facilitate dribbling, especially during winter when the ball lacks moisture. It is also useful for players who tend to have sweaty hands, as the adhesive properties of Stickum are activated by the warmth of the hands.
However, the use of Stickum and similar adhesive substances has been controversial in sports. In American football, for example, the use of adhesives was banned by the National Football League (NFL) in 1981, resulting in what became known as the "Lester Hayes Rule". This rule was named after Oakland Raiders defensive back Lester Hayes, who was known for his frequent and liberal use of Stickum. Despite the ban, several players, including Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice, admitted to using Stickum during their careers.
While Stickum can provide a competitive advantage in basketball by improving a player's grip and ball control, it is important to note that using adhesives may be considered unsportsmanlike or even illegal in certain leagues and competitions. Athletes should always refer to the rules and regulations of their respective governing bodies before considering the use of any performance-enhancing substances.
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Stickum's ban in basketball
Stickum is a trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. It helps improve grip and is suggested for use on bat handles and vaulting poles. Athletes in sports such as weightlifting, basketball, football, baseball, and golf use Stickum to improve their grip on sports equipment.
In basketball, Stickum is used to improve a player's grip on the ball. However, its use is controversial and has been banned by some leagues. In 2016, Houston's Dwight Howard received an official warning for using Stickum spray on his hands during an NBA game against the Hawks. The referee crew chief, Monty McCutchen, issued a warning to both teams, stating that "Stickum is illegal in the NBA." Howard admitted to using the substance and received no suspension, but the incident sparked discussions about the use of foreign substances in the league.
While some foreign substances like talcum powder are allowed in the NBA, adhesives like Stickum are prohibited. The league allows players to use substances that dry their hands, such as resin, chalk, and liquid chalk, to improve grip. This distinction is important because a dry hand can still grip effectively without altering the ball's surface.
The ban on Stickum in basketball is likely due to the competitive advantage it provides to players who use it. By improving grip, Stickum can enhance a player's shooting, dribbling, and ball-handling abilities. Banning Stickum helps maintain a level playing field and ensures that all players rely solely on their skills and strategy rather than external aids.
Some basketball leagues may have specific rules regarding the use of adhesives like Stickum. It is essential for players and teams to be aware of the regulations in their respective leagues to avoid penalties or disqualifications. While Stickum can provide a temporary advantage, its use violates the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, which is fundamental to the game of basketball.
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Stickum alternatives
Stickum is a trademark adhesive of Mueller Sports Medicine, available in powder, paste, and aerosol spray forms. It is used to improve grip, even in wet conditions, and is often used in bat handles, vaulting poles, and weightlifting.
While Stickum is a popular product, there are other alternatives available that serve the same purpose. Here are some options:
Spin-iT Basketball Hand Grip Spray
This product is a spray designed specifically for basketball players to improve their grip on the ball. It is a direct alternative to Stickum powder, providing a similar level of tackiness without the mess of a powder.
Seibertron Receiver Gloves
These gloves have a rubbery texture along the palm and fingertips, providing excellent grip for catching and intercepting passes. Gloves are a permitted alternative to adhesives in many leagues, including the NCAA.
Cramer Firm Grip, Anti-Slip Grip Enhancer
Cramer Firm Grip is another spray alternative to Stickum. It is designed to enhance grip in sports such as football, tennis, golf, weightlifting, and pole fitness. It is easy to apply and can be used on the hands or sports equipment handles.
Grip Tape or Gloves
Grip tape is a sticky, adhesive tape that can be wrapped around the handles of sports equipment to improve grip. It is commonly used in tennis, baseball, and hockey. Additionally, some sports allow the use of "sticky gloves," which have a rubbery or tacky texture to improve grip.
These alternatives to Stickum offer similar benefits in improving grip and performance in various sports, including basketball. It is important to note that the use of adhesives like Stickum may be banned in certain leagues or competitions, so it is essential to check the rules and regulations before using any of these products.
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