Hand wraps are a part of boxing almost as iconic as the ring or the gloves. Boxers wear them to stabilize the wrist and fingers, protecting them from injury caused by the tremendous force of a punch thrown by a properly trained boxer. World champion boxing coach Bill Packer trained his fighters in the proper use of these training tools.
Learn to Wrap Properly
A proper wrap is snug, but not tight, says kickboxing teacher Dave Coffman. You wrap the wrist and knuckles, as well as between the fingers. An improper wrap can give little support, or abrade the skin during practice, leading to painful blisters and sores. If you don't know how to wrap your hands, ask your coach or a fellow student. Have your coach check your wraps after the first few times.
Don't Always Wear Wraps
Packer advised his fighters to wear wraps only in the ring and during strength training. For such high-impact work, the wraps do exactly what they're designed to do. For less strenuous training, the wraps are actually counterproductive. By stabilizing the wrist and hands, they prevent the small supporting muscles from developing, making it more likely the hand will be damaged during a fight. You should train without wraps to build those supporting muscles.
Always Wear Gloves
The material for hand wraps is rough in order to improve its grip on the boxer's skin. That roughness makes them inadequate to protect a sparring partner or opponent. Coffman says a punch from a wrapped hand can skin and scrape with even one punch. For courtesy and safety, wear gloves when punching with your wraps on. This applies to punching equipment as well, since the same abrasiveness can tear into a punching bag.
Avoid Fancy Wraps
You can buy high-tech and brand-name hand wraps for big money, but the end result is the same as a basic wrap that costs a couple of dollars. Coffman says a hand wrap is a bandage with a loop on one end and that there's no sense in buying more than you need for such a basic tool.
References
- Bill Packer; Boxing and Kickboxing Coach; Bad Company; Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Hillsboro, Oregon
- Boxing Gyms: Hand Wraps Tips
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