Boxing is a high-impact sport, and the hands are at a higher risk for injury. While learning proper technique and punching with a heavy bag can mitigate this, hand wraps provide an extra layer of protection for fighters.
Hand wraps are a vital piece of boxing equipment that should be worn every time a fighter trains. They’re often referred to as the “socks” of your gloves.
Protects the Knuckles
As any boxer will tell you, the ability to punch depends as much on a fighter’s hands as it does their head and legs. That’s why it’s important for fighters to protect their hands with wraps and gloves, even during sparring. Wraps and gloves prevent injuries to the tendons, ligaments, and bones in the hands and wrist. They also help transfer the force of a punch to its target, as shown by a study from 1984.
The hand structure consists of small joints and bones that can break if they are hit repeatedly without padding. The use of hand wraps and gloves allows fighters to practice bare-knuckle drills without risking injury, so they can improve their technique and increase their punching power. It also helps them train for longer sessions and build endurance.
While some athletes choose to train bare-knuckle to improve their grip, this practice quickly exhausts the hands and arm. It can lead to bruising and swelling, which limits training sessions and disrupts progress. Wearing gloves and wrapping the hands is an essential step for beginners, and it gives fighters a sense of security that lets them train with confidence.
Boxing wraps are made of gauze and tape that support the hand and wrist. They are available in a variety of materials and styles, but the choice depends on the athlete’s preferences. Some prefer traditional cotton wraps, which are more affordable and durable than other options. Others opt for gel wraps, which aren’t woven but are slipped on like fingerless gloves. However, these aren’t as breathable and don’t offer as much wrist support as other types of wraps.
Wraps are a must for any serious fighter, but a good wrapping technique is crucial. Wraps should be loose and tight, but not so tight that they restrict the movement of the fingers and thumb. The wraps should be secured at the base of the thumb and the ring and pinky fingers. They should then be wrapped three times around the knuckles and down the back of the palm. A fighter should also lock the thumb in, which prevents it from slipping out of the wrap when clenching a fist.
Prevents Injuries
Hand wraps are made of gauze and tape that boxers (and participants in other combat sports) use to support the wrist and knuckles during punching. The wrap primarily supports the wrist joint, and it also compresses and lends strength to the soft tissues of the hands. It is a critical part of any boxer’s equipment, and it significantly reduces the risk of injuries to the hands and wrist.
Boxing is a highly physical sport, and the impact of repeated blows from heavy bags and opponents can cause severe injury to a fighter’s hands. Wrapping the hands reduces the amount of damage that is sustained by the bones and tissue, thus minimizing the risk of breaking bones in the fingers, wrist, or palm of the hand. This protects the fighter from serious injuries that can keep them from training or competing.
A proper wrap maintains the optimal alignment of the wrist and fist, making it easier to throw a strong punch. Moreover, the wrap prevents the thumb and index finger from hitting each other during a punch, preventing a hand injury known as “boxer’s knuckle.”
Wrapping also reduces the possibility of metacarpal instability, which can lead to sprains or fractures. It also helps to strengthen the base of the thumb, reducing the risk of injuries resulting from the thumb striking an opponent’s elbow.
While boxing gloves provide a significant amount of protection to the knuckles and wrist, hand wraps offer an additional layer of protection and a snug fit inside the glove. This ensures that the knuckles and wrist are not crushed by the padding in the glove, which can occur with improper wrapping technique.
Besides avoiding hand injuries, the wrapping provides an extra level of comfort and prevents sweat from seeping into the gloves. This is vital, as sweat can create unpleasant odors in the gloves and contribute to the development of fungus and bacteria. Hand wraps help to eliminate this problem and keep the gloves fresh and clean for longer periods of time, allowing the fighter to train consistently.
Although it takes some time to master the art of hand wraps, they are essential for any boxer. By protecting the hands, they enable the fighter to train consistently without worrying about injuries and focus on improving their skill level and strength. The increased confidence and security from having properly wrapped hands can allow the fighter to push themselves harder in training, thereby increasing their power.
Shortens Recovery Time
The wraps provide mechanical support for the hand and wrist, helping to absorb some of the impact from a punch. They also help to protect the hands from common boxing injuries like sprains and fractures. For example, by binding the thumb to the rest of the hand it reduces the chance of a metacarpal bone sprain or fracture (often referred to as the “boxer’s fracture”). It also helps prevent the thumb from striking the opponent’s elbow which can cause a fracture in one of the other metacarpal bones.
While it is possible to perform a punching workout without wraps, the risk of injury significantly increases. A hand injury can take you out of training and may even end your fighting career. Taking the time to properly wrap your hands before each training session will greatly minimize the chances of hand injuries and ensure that you can continue to train for years to come.
Wraps can be made of different materials and are available in many lengths to fit various hand sizes. The most popular type of wrap is the cotton variety. They are reusable, easy to put on and provide some padding for the knuckles. They can be secured using either a small tie tab or velcro. There are also elasticized wraps known as Mexican-style wraps which are easier to get on but don’t offer the same level of wrist support as cotton or traditional wraps. Gel wraps are another type of wrap that is becoming more popular. They are similar to Mexican-style wraps but are slipped on like gloves and don’t provide as much wrist support.
Finally, there are competition wraps which are typically composed of gauze and tape and are used to provide more padding. These are not as reusable as cotton wraps and should only be worn when competing. They are usually only used by professional boxers since they require a special technique to apply. They are not recommended for everyday use because they don’t provide as much protection for the wrist as other types of wraps. It is highly recommended that you talk with your coach or trainer about the best type of wraps to wear for your training and for any upcoming fights.
Increases Endurance
Boxing is an extremely physical sport, and the impact of punches on heavy bags and other training equipment can be brutal. The body’s natural ability to absorb the shock and vibration of these impacts can eventually take its toll, and this is especially true of the hands, which are made from bone and flesh and can easily be injured if not protected.
Hand wraps are a critical piece of protective gear that help to keep the hand and wrist safe during training and competition. These long strips of flexible fabric are wrapped around the hand and wrist before putting on a pair of gloves, and they are crucial to the success of a fighter’s performance in the ring.
In addition to protecting the knuckles, the wrap also supports the wrist joint and helps prevent excessive flexion, which can occur if the fighter is throwing punches from an unbalanced angle or using improper form. This feature of the hand wraps is particularly important for new boxers, as it can significantly reduce the risk of injury.
One of the most common injuries associated with boxing is called a “boxer’s fracture.” This condition occurs when one of the metacarpal bones of the wrist breaks, and it is often the result of an overly forceful punch. A hand wrap can reduce the chances of this type of injury by strengthening the wrist and preventing too much flexion during punching.
Another benefit of hand wraps is that they bind and secure the tendons and ligaments in the hand. This prevents them from absorbing the impact of a punch and bruising, which can lead to hand injuries that can inhibit a fighter’s ability to train effectively. It is also important to wrap the hand properly so that it does not collapse during training, which can cause small joints in the fingers and thumb to crack and break.
The importance of hand wraps is clear, but not everyone understands how to use them correctly. It is important to find a knowledgeable trainer who can show you how to apply the wraps and teach you the proper technique. By taking the time to learn how to wrap the hands, you will be able to prevent injuries and improve your performance in the ring.