If you have recently begun boxing training, then wrapping your hands using boxing wraps could seem quite tricky. Even experienced boxers flail around for some time before finally getting the hang of boxing wraps.
The long, slender cloth that seems to tie only one way can seem like an unsolvable puzzle. You start to wonder how it can be possible to impressively wrap your hands using a mere length of cloth. But it is possible, and not at all as complicated, and it might seem initially. Learning how to wrap boxing wraps just requires a little patience and practice.
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What to Begin With?
Before you get on with wrapping your hands to begin your practice, it is important to know why it is important to wrap.
As you sit there before practice, frustrated with how long it is taking to wrap your hands, you might want to just give up and go bare-knuckled.
Wrapping your hands using boxing wraps is an absolute must. There is no reason for you not to wrap your hands and protect your knuckles. It is risky and reckless.
If you impatiently don’t wrap your hands, you will regret it later at night when the pain will set in.
Aside from the necessity of using wraps, it is almost important to choose the material of your wrap well. There are several variations available in the market, but it is best to go with cotton or semi-elastic ones. The semi-elastic boxing wraps are also known as Mexican wraps. Gel wraps may seem like an easier option but aren’t as secure, so it is better to opt-out of them.
How to Wrap Boxing Wraps
Deciding upon the length of the wrap is pivotal. It is best to go for longer ones because you can always wrap it around for extra padding. But if you get stuck with a shorter one, then it can cause more harm than do good.
Generally, 180 inches the regular and most commonly used and preferred length. Getting a wrap shorter than 180 inches, even if your hands are on the petite side, is better than getting any shorter than that. Even if you have excess material left after you have wrapped it, you could always use it as extra padding for the knuckles or the wrist.
The more padding, the better!
Extra padding only serves to make it easier and safer for you to use that heavy bag and box. So, there is no reason to get a wrap shorter than 180 inches.
Unless you’re a kid. Then, it is better to go for the 120 inches ones rather than 180.
How to securely and correctly wrap your boxing wraps?
Here are the basic steps:
Loop Around The Thumb And Wrap Behind
It is important to decide how tight and snug or loosely and comfortable you want the wrap to be. Begin by sliding your thumb into the elastic loop at the front of your wrap and taking it behind your hands. This should get the elastic loop around the thumb and wrap behind the hand.
It is important to know to wrap it inwards as that can loosen the wrap later on. You must loop it backward and then loop around the wrists thrice. Tighten your hands as you do that, so you have a snug fit.
You can loop it over more than three times if you have smaller hands. Wrapping is mostly to protect your wrists and knuckles and give them padding, so most of your loops will be over them as well.
Over Your Hands
Next, you have to take the wrap over your hands three or more times. At this point, you should have your fingers spread wide. If your fingers are closer with little space, then that may make the wrap uncomfortable for you later on. Just imagine palming an imaginary volleyball in your hand and keep them spread that way.
The three times of wrap over your hand should cover your palm and knuckles. For extra padding, wrap it around 6-7 times. The number of wraps differs according to the size of your hand.
Through Your Fingers
After you cover your palms, it is time to protect your fingers and knuckles thoroughly.
Bring the wrap over to the back of your thumb and then slip it between your pinky and ring finger. Make sure to avoid wrinkling the fabric and keep it smooth and snug.
Then repeat this and take the boxing wraps over between your other fingers as well. Wrap it similarly between your ring and middle finger, then between your middle and index finger.
These wraps through your fingers should be in the formation of an X.
Wrap Your Thumb
After you have taken the wrap around your palms and between your fingers, you should now wrap the thumb.
Bring the boxing wrap to the back of your thumb again and bring over your thumb once. Then flip over your hand, with your palm facing up instead of the back of your hand.
Now wrap the thumb halfway but don’t take it to the back of your hand. Instead, bring it down your palm and at the front.
This locks your thumb safely and prevents injury.
Over Your Knuckles
Now flip your hand again and this time, bring the wrap up around your knuckles. Wrap it three times. That should bring you to the end of your wraps if you have big hands. But if you have small hands, then use the extra length and wrap over your knuckles and wrist a few times over for extra padding.
Wraps Over Your Wrist
Bring the extra wraps over your wrists and loop them around your wrists. Wrap it around snugly but comfortably. You have to make sure that you don’t wrap too tight. It could cut off circulation and hurt your hand during practice.
Finish Off with the Velcro
As you reach the end of your wrap, end with a loop around the wrist till you get to the velcro and then fit it snugly over your wrist. Finish your wrap with the velcro tied fit.
Summing up
It may seem complicated in the beginning, but with practice, you will learn to do it in less time. It is a crucial and unskippable part of practice, so even if you have to spend extra minutes wrapping, do it for your hands.
Over time, you’ll be able to do it within a minute. Or even less. But safety is always first.