1. Tape It Up
Boxers injure their hands more than any other body part because of the many tiny bones found there. Taping or wrapping your hands before boxing is the most effective way to safeguard against injury. The cotton wraps used to tape your hands ward off injury and damage by protecting your wrists, knuckles, thumbs and bones. In fact, boxers often are prohibited from participating in the sport, whether training, sparring or fighting, unless their hands are taped.
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Taping your hands properly requires practice. Wraps should be tight but not so tight that it affects your circulation. Look for a comfortable fit that allows you to move your fingers and make a fist. With your palm facing downward, extend your fingers and put your thumb inside the wrap's loop. Wrap your knuckles several times and then bring the tape in back of your thumb, around your wrist, then between your fourth and fifth fingers. Take the wrap in back of your thumb, over your wrist, beneath your hand and in between your first two fingers. Repeat but now place the tape in between your second and third fingers. Wrap until enough material remains to circle your wrist. Fasten the Velcro closure. Clench your fist frequently to achieve the correct tightness.
3. Multiple Taping Methods
Experiment with different taping methods once you perfect the basic technique. Wrap your wrist several times and then cover your thumb. Alternate bringing the wrap around your wrist and thumb three times. Extend your fingers to cover your knuckles. Go across your palm, around your knuckles twice, then back around your wrist. Protect your fingers by pulling the wrap in between your ring and middle fingers, over your thumb and across your knuckles. Alternate wrapping your thumb and between your fingers. Cover your knuckles and wrist until the tape is gone. The ribbon method is good for children because there's let material left in the palm, which is best for smaller hands. After covering the knuckles, use a back-and-forth motion to form a "ribbon" pattern. Repeat for several layers.
4. Different Strokes For Different Folks
The classic hook-and-loop wrap is the standard style in boxing. Mexican-style hand wraps feature elasticity for a more contoured fit. Gel-shock tapes come with a rubber inner wrap that adds a gel padded layer to your knuckles. Quick wraps are just that. Similar to a fingerless glove, once you put them on, the foam padding protects your hands and knuckles.
5. Length Crucial to Good Fit
Tape is available at local sporting goods or retail store, a boxing gym or online at most boxing websites. Be sure you get the right length for your hand size. Cloths measuring 3 inches wide and 10 feet long are the best fit for small hands. Medium to large hands require 14-foot wraps. Children's sizes also are sold. Invest in several sets if you use them frequently.
Posted in: Boxing