In boxing and kickboxing, athletes wear a variety of protective gear to ensure that they are not injured while competing or training. One of the most important pieces of equipment used during training to protect the delicate bones and ligaments of the hand is known as a hand wrap. To get the highest level of protection from your hand wraps, the proper tying technique is crucial. The Figure 8 method is one of the most basic techniques for applying hand wraps.
Figure 8 Technique
Step 1
Determine the right length of hand wraps. If the athlete is a small child or a woman with smaller hands, a 120-inch length might be suitable, but a man with large hands might need the 180-inch length. The goal is to form a protective wrapping by wrapping the hand completely.
Step 2
Unravel the hand wrap, with the Velcro square on the end facing up. While seated with your palm facing up, place your thumb through the hole on the end of the hand wrap. Make sure the hand wrap runs along the backside of your hand.
Step 3
Wind the hand wrap twice around the forearm, starting 2 inches down from the wrist and ending just below the palm. Next, grasp the hand wrap, and encircle the thumb, ending just below the thumb.
Step 4
Grip the hand wrap firmly, and bring it along the backside of the hand, running it between the fourth and fifth finger and ending again at the thumb. Using your thumb as an anchor, continue wrapping in between fingers, stopping once you have wrapped in between the second and third fingers.
Step 5
Begin to wrap the palm area upward, completely covering the hand. Securely fasten the Velcro so the hand wrap does not unravel or slip off during training. If Mexican-style hand wraps are used, cut and apply pieces of athletic tape to secure them.
Step 6
Repeat the process on your other hand.
Tips and Warnings
- Hand wraps can be washed, using a netted bag. Between washings,hand wraps can be sprayed in a fabric refresher and laid flat to dry. To store hand wraps, wind them and secure with Velcro closures.
- If a hand wrap is too loose or too tight, reapply it. If fraying of a Velcro closure or thumb hole occurs, replace it.
Things You'll Need
- Hand wraps
- Scissors
- Athletic tape
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