If you are a boxer or a boxing enthusiast, you probably know how important it is to wrap your hands before putting on your gloves and entering the ring. Hand wraps protect your hands from injuries, such as fractures, sprains, and cuts, by providing support and cushioning to your bones, tendons, and ligaments. They also help you transfer more force to your punches and keep your gloves clean and dry.
But how do you wrap your hands correctly? There are different types of hand wraps available, such as cotton, elastic, gel, and competition wraps, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. However, the most common and versatile ones are cotton or elastic wraps, which are long strips of fabric with a loop at one end and a Velcro closure at the other.
In this article, we will show you how to wrap your hands for boxing using cotton or elastic wraps, following a simple and effective method that will give you optimal protection and comfort. You will need a pair of hand wraps (preferably 180 inches long), a pair of scissors (optional), and a mirror or a partner to help you check your wrapping.
Step 1: Start with the loop
To begin, stretch out your hand with your fingers spread wide and place your thumb through the loop at the end of the wrap. Make sure that the side of the wrap with the Velcro is facing down and that the loop is not twisted. You can also cut off the loop if you find it uncomfortable or unnecessary.
Step 2: Wrap your wrist
Next, wrap your wrist three to four times, starting from the back of your hand and moving towards your forearm. The wrap should be snug but not too tight, as you don’t want to cut off your blood circulation or limit your wrist movement. You should also keep your wrist straight as you wrap it, to prevent it from bending when you punch.
Step 3: Wrap your palm
After wrapping your wrist, cross over the back of your hand and wrap around your palm three times, just above your thumb. This will create a base for your knuckles and add some padding to your hand. Then, wrap around your wrist one more time to secure the palm wrapping.
Step 4: Wrap your thumb
Now, circle around your thumb two times, starting from the inside of your palm and moving towards the outside. This will protect your thumb from getting jammed or dislocated when you punch. Then, cross over the back of your hand again and wrap around your wrist one more time.
Step 5: Wrap your knuckles
The next step is to wrap your knuckles, which are the most vulnerable part of your hand when you punch. To do this, cross over the back of your hand and wrap around your knuckles three times, making sure to cover the entire punching surface. You can also make a fist as you wrap them, to ensure that they are tight enough but not too constricting.
Step 6: Wrap between your fingers
After wrapping your knuckles, cross over the back of your hand again and loop the wrap between your fingers, starting from the pinky finger and moving towards the index finger. This will create a webbing that will keep your fingers separated and prevent them from clenching too hard when you punch. You can also adjust the tension of the wrap as you go along, to make sure that it is comfortable and even.
Step 7: Finish with the Velcro
Finally, secure the wrap with the Velcro closure at the end. You can either wrap around your wrist or cross over the back of your hand one last time before attaching it. Make sure that there is no excess fabric hanging out or that it is not too loose or too tight.
And that’s it! You have successfully wrapped your hands for boxing using cotton or elastic wraps. You can now put on your gloves and start punching with confidence and safety.
Tips for wrapping your hands for boxing
– Before wrapping your hands, wash them with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. This will prevent any dirt or bacteria from getting into your wraps or gloves.
– If you have any cuts or bruises on your hands, apply some antibiotic ointment and cover them with band-aids before wrapping them.
– If you have long nails, trim them or file them down to avoid scratching yourself or tearing your wraps.
– If you have any rings or bracelets on your fingers or wrists, remove them before wrapping them.
