Wrap Your Hands Like A Pro
If ever there was a time to wrap up well it’s just before a bout. Yes, you should be investing in good boxing gloves, practice a lot on those heavy punching bags, but carefully wrapping your hands is essential too. The last thing a boxer needs is a reason to halt the fight because his hands hurt. Wrapping well reduces the effect of each impact on your hand bones and finger joints as you make contact with your opponent. Also, you don’t have to worry about any lasting injuries that leave you free to enter the ring and fight another day.
For wrapping your hands you will need an appropriate pair of hand wraps. Ideally, hand wraps or gloves must be lightweight and elastic. They should offer good support for the wrist. Usually, 180″ hand wrap gloves fit well but for some smaller hands 120″ gloves are more suitable.
Wrap At The Back
Always loop the thumb and wrap behind the back of the hand and then fasten it. This way you will have a stronger grip while making a fist and your hand wrap won’t start loosening. It is very annoying to have to refasten the wrap every now and then.
Multiple Wraps Around Wrist
For stronger wrist support, always wrap 2 or three times around the wrist. Make sure your wrist is comfortable has good movement and is not too tightly wrapped.
Wrap Around The Palm
Wrap multiple times around your palm leaving the knuckles and fasten it at the back of the thumb.
Fasten The Knuckles
Wrap each finger separately creating an ‘X’ while fastening. This way your knuckles will stay separated causing minimum damage in case of a hit and will also support each other while gripping. Follow these steps for perfect wrapping around fingers.
- First, pass the wrap between the small and ring finger. Then move the wrap towards the side and take it to the bottom of the hand and then at the back creating an ‘x’.
- From the back of the hand bring it to the top of the thumb and pass between the middle and ring fingers again forming an ‘x’.
- Return back to the thumb again and this time pass the wrap between the index and middle finger creating another ‘x’.
- Finish the wrap on top of the thumb after creating three ‘x’.
Things To Avoid While Wrapping Hands
1. Never use excess tapes and gauze while wrapping as this will add unnecessary weight and slow down your punching efficiency. Gauze also accumulates moisture and sweat and makes hand movements uncomfortable.
2. While wrapping your hand never ignore the structure of your hand and wrap according to it. Also, take into account any injuries and provide extra support for vulnerable areas. A brief medical history must also be considered while wrapping to avoid any major injury. The sensitive area of the hand and the parts that require extra support must be wrapped multiple times for added protection.
3. Always choose the correct wrap according to your hand. Never choose thicker wraps as they are inflexible and hinder in punching with full force. Lightweight yet secured wraps are best.
Conclusion
Wrapping the hands is an essential prerequisite for boxing. Whether you are heading towards a boxing ring or just beginning training appropriate hand wraps is a must and should be done cautiously.
With your hands safely protected from injury, you can make sure each punch hits home with confidence. As you float around your partner, they are just one less thing to be thinking about as you land each punch to make it sting like a bee.
