All About Hand Wrapping for Boxing

1
All About Hand Wrapping for Boxing
2
(No Transcript)
3

• The first time that hand wrapping for boxing was
  mentioned in history was in Ancient Greece in 688
  B.C.E. Boxing was a part of the very first
  Olympics and was often used in gymnasiums among
  the Grecians as part of their education as young
  men. The Ancient Greeks used strips of oxhide
  softened with olive oil, called himantes, to wrap
  their hands.

4
The Purpose of Hand Wrapping

• The purpose of hand wrapping has a few
  objectives. One is to provide a protective
  barrier for the fighters hands. The hand
  structure consists of small joints and small
  bones that are fragile and subject to fracture
  from the impact of repetitive punches. Hand
  wrapping also protects the tendons, muscles and
  cushions the impact of the wrist.

5

• The second purpose of the hand wrap is to keep
  the loose or moving joints in place. It provides
  restriction for these joints, so the shock is
  absorbed and redistributed across the entire
  hand. If your joints are moving around when the
  fist makes contact with an object, a fracture
  could occur. Additionally, there could also be
  other injuries to the tendons and muscles. These
  injuries could interfere with your everyday
  activities.

6
How to Wrap Your Hands

• You will need 180 cotton wraps for average size
  hands or 120 for smaller hands. Mexican wraps
  are semi-elastic and are also acceptable wraps
  for you to use. However, they will break down
  faster than cotton wraps.
• Loop the thumb and wrap behind the hand. Make
  sure you have adequate tension so that when you
  make a fist, the wrap tightens around it.
  However, make sure it doesnt constrict the hand
  too much. Dont run the wrap around the front of
  the hand instead of the back first this will
  loosen the hand wrap when you make a fist.

7

• Wrap three times around the wrist. This will
  support the bone structure and tendons in the
  wrist. Note if you have larger than average
  hands, wrap only two times. Make sure that you
  keep the wrap free from wrinkles or lumps. These
  can cause gaps in protection of the hand.
  Finally, keep your wrists straight to keep them
  stable for a fight.
• Wrap three times around the palm of your hand.
  Youre focused on wrapping around the palm rather
  than the knuckles at this point. Bring it back
  down to the back of your thumb. Also, make sure
  your fingers are spread the same width apart. You
  want to mimic the movements you will be making in
  a spar or bout as you wrap.

8

• Wrap around the thumb once. Then go down the back
  of the hand.
• Lock your thumb. Go behind the thumb and down the
  palm. This will lock the hand wrap into place and
  secure the thumb.
• Wrap three times around your knuckles.
• If you have extra wraps left, you can do more Xs
  around the back of your hand. Finish by fastening
  the velcro on the wrist. Throw a few punches to
  see how it feels before putting on your gloves.

9
Mistakes Made in Wrapping

• Using too much tape and gauze can cause a problem
  for a fighter. Tape and gauze are porous and can
  allow moisture to seep through. This can cause
  sweat to accumulate, adding additional weight to
  the fighters hands and gloves. Additional weight
  to the boxers gloves means their punches will
  become slower.
• Another mistake you can make is not understanding
  the anatomical structures of the hand when
  wrapping them. Also, be mindful of your medical
  history when wrapping. Any injuries or other
  hand, wrist or finger issues should be addressed
  before wrapping to better protect them.

10

• Last, but not least, choose the right wrap. Wraps
  that are thick and inflexible dont secure the
  hand properly when making a fist.
• Hand wrapping is an important process before
  training or getting into the ring. Lack of proper
  wrapping can impede your performance. Make sure
  that you follow the tips above and practice them.